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Early development of Rome

By sammyew4413
  • 753 BCE

    Legendary founding data of Rome

    Romulus founds the city of Rome
  • Period: 753 BCE to 510 BCE

    Regal Period

    Regal Period of ancient Rome from Founding to Birth of the Republic
  • Period: 750 BCE to 510 BCE

    Rule of the Seven Kings

    The seven kings of Rome: Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tulus Hostilius, Ancus Marcius, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus.
  • Period: 750 BCE to 510 BCE

    The celeres or trossuli

    The celeres or trossuli - a 300-man cavalry corps which the first kings of Rome incorporated into the legion - is formed, later their number is increased to 600.
  • 715 BCE

    Numa Pompilius becomes King

  • Period: 700 BCE to 650 BCE

    Last Burial in the Forum, Temples built, Curia Hostilia

    Last burial in the Forum, huts removed and hard earth floor put down Temples built, first shops appear and first political meetings held The earliest form of the Curia Hostilia (the senate-house) is built
  • 673 BCE

    Tullus Hostilius becomes king

  • Period: 650 BCE to 575 BCE

    Circus Maximus, Cloaca Maxima, increase in Senate size

    The earliest forms of the Circus Maximus and Cloaca Maxima are built The size of the Senate increases from 100 to 300 members
  • 642 BCE

    Ancus Maricus becomes king

  • 620 BCE

    Ostia Founding Date

    Founding date for Ostia, the port of Rome
  • 616 BCE

    Tarquinius Priscus (Tarquin the Elder) becomes king

  • Period: 600 BCE to 550 BCE

    Comitia centuriata, reforming of armed forces, Rome is dominate member of the Latin League

    Citizens are organised into the comitia centuriata (the Centuriate Assembly) according to wealth The armed forces are reformed based on the Greek model of hoplite tactics Rome becomes the dominant member of the Latin League
  • Period: 599 BCE to 500 BCE

    Circus Maximum of Rome

    The Circus Maximus was a chariot racetrack in Rome constructed in the 6th century BCE. Used for other events such as the Roman Games and gladiator fights, it last hosted chariot races in the 6th century.
  • 578 BCE

    Servius Tullius becomes king

  • Period: 578 BCE to 535 BCE

    Servius Tullius increases cavalry corps number

    Servius Tullius, the king of Rome, increases the number of the cavalry corps (equites) to 1,800.
  • 535 BCE

    Tarquinius Superbus (Tarquin the Proud) becomes king

  • Period: 534 BCE to 510 BCE

    Reign of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus

    Reign of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, last king of Rome.
  • Period: 510 BCE to 509 BCE

    First Treaty between Rome and Carthage

  • 509 BCE

    Foundation of the Roman Republic

  • 509 BCE

    Roman Republic is founded

    The Roman Republic is founded with Lucius Junius Brutus and Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus as the first consuls
  • 509 BCE

    Tarquinius Superbus is expelled

  • 508 BCE

    Etruscans lay siege to Rome.

    Lars Porsenna, Etruscan king of Chiusi, lays siege to Rome.
  • 504 BCE

    Migration of Claudii

    Migration of Claudii from Sabine lands to Rome.
  • 499 BCE

    Battle of Lake Regillus

    Battle of Lake Regillus between Rome and the Latin League.
  • 499 BCE

    Battle of Lake Regillus

    Roman forces defeat the Latin League (a coalition of Latin cities) at the Battle of Lake Regillus
  • Period: 498 BCE to 493 BCE

    Rome defeats the Latins

  • 497 BCE

    Saturn's Temple

    The first temple dedicated to Saturn is constructed in the Forum Romanum of Rome.
  • 495 BCE

    Mercury's Temple

    A temple is built in honour of Mercury near Rome's Circus Maximus.
  • 495 BCE

    Death of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus,

    Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, last king of Rome, dies in exile at Cumae.
  • 494 BCE

    Office of the tribuni plebis

    Traditional date the office of the tribuni plebis is created in Rome.
  • 494 BCE

    First Secession of the Plebeians

    The First Secession of the Plebeians at Rome leads to the creation of the plebeian tribuneship, the plebeian aedileship and the Plebeian Assembly; the Tribal Assembly is created at around this time
  • Period: 494 BCE to 287 BCE

    The struggle of the Orders

  • 493 BCE

    Foedus Cassianus

    Foedus Cassianus - treaty by Spurius Cassius Vecellinus with the Latin League after the Battle of Lake Regillus.
  • 484 BCE

    Dioscuri's Temple

    The first temple of the Dioscuri (Castor Pollux) is dedicated in Rome's Forum Romanum by Aulus Postumius following his victory over the Latins at the Battle of Lake Regillus.
  • 458 BCE

    Lucius Quinctius is made dictator

  • Period: 451 BCE to 450 BCE

    Twelve Tables

    Decemvirate and Publication of Twelve Tables of Roman Law.
  • 449 BCE

    Establishment Valerio-Horatian Laws

    The Valerio-Horatian Laws establishes the tribal assemblies in Rome.
  • 449 BCE

    The Twelve Tables go into effect

    The Twelve Tables go into effect to help regulate existing social and economic practices
  • 443 BCE

    The position of censor is created in Rome.

  • 443 BCE

    Censorship is created

    the censorship is created to count people (i.e. run a census
  • Period: 437 BCE to 435 BCE

    Rome defeats Etruscan Veii in the Veientine War

    Rome defeats Etruscan Veii in the Veientine War; the Etruscan king Lars Tolumnius is killed.
  • 431 BCE

    Apollo's Temple

    The temple to Apollo Medicus is built in Rome.
  • 431 BCE

    Roman forces push back the Volsci anf Aequi tribes

  • 400 BCE

    First Recording of Foundation Narrative

    Roman tale of mythical twins Romulus and Remus first recorded.
  • 396 BCE

    Rome sacks the Etruscan town of Veii after a ten-year siege.

  • 396 BCE

    Camillus is named Dictator of Rome for the first time.

  • 396 BCE

    Rome defeats the city of Veii

  • 394 BCE

    Etruscan Volsinii attack on Rome

    Etruscan Volsinii and their ally Sappinum unsuccessfully attacks Rome.
  • 394 BCE

    Surrender of Falerii

    Camillus accepts the surrender of the city of Falerii to Rome.
  • 390 BCE

    The Senone Tribe of Gaul sack Rome

    The Senone Tribe of Gaul sack Rome; Camillus mobilizes forces to defeat them and save the city.
  • 390 BCE

    Gauls sack Rome

  • 390 BCE

    Gallic Catastrophe

    Gallic Catastrophe: Brennus of the Senones defeats the Romans at Allia, and subsequently sacks Rome.
  • 390 BCE

    Plebeians become eligible for the quaestorship

  • 389 BCE

    Camillus named Dictator of Rome

    Camillus is named Dictator of Rome a second time.
  • 380 BCE

    Rebuilding of Rome

    Rebuilding of Rome. Strong walls around the seven hills.
  • 368 BCE

    Camillus is named Dictator of Rome

    Camillus is named Dictator of Rome a third time; leads army to victory in battle.
  • 367 BCE

    Aedile Curule

    Position of aedile curule added for the patricians of Rome.
  • 367 BCE

    Camillus is named Dictator of Rome

    Camillus is named Dictator of Rome for a fourth time; continues to lead armies to victory.
  • 367 BCE

    Praetorship is created

    the praetorship is created; the Licinian-Sextian Laws are passed and plebeians become eligible for the consulship
  • 367 BCE

    Celtic armies in Ancona

    Livy mentions Celtic armies in Ancona and one such group moves against Rome once more.
  • 366 BCE

    The curule aedileship is created

  • 365 BCE

    Death of Camillus

    Camillus dies of the plague at Rome.
  • 356 BCE

    Plebeians become eligible for the dictatorship

  • 351 BCE

    Plebeians become eligible for the censorship

  • Period: 343 BCE to 341 BCE

    First Samnite War

    Rome fights the Samnites in the First Samnite War
  • Period: 343 BCE to 341 BCE

    First Samnite War

    First Samnite War (Rome vs. Samnites).
  • 340 BCE

    Rome fights the Latin League members in the Latin War

  • Period: 340 BCE to 338 BCE

    Latin War

    Latin War, victory for Rome
  • 339 BCE

    The leges Publilae decrees that one of Rome's two censors must be a plebeian.

  • 338 BCE

    Rome wins the Latin War and dissolves the Latin League

  • 337 BCE

    Plebeians become eligible for the praetorship

  • 334 BCE

    Rome signs peace treaty with the Senones tribe

  • Period: 326 BCE to 304 BCE

    Second Samnite War

    Rome fights the Samnites in the Second Samnite War (winning in 304BCE)
  • 321 BCE

    Construction of the Via Appia

    The Via Appia, a famous Roman road, is constructed.
  • 316 BCE

    Rome adopts the manipular legion

  • 312 BCE

    First Roman aqueduct constructed

    Rome's first aqueduct constructed, the 16 km long Aqua Appia.
  • 312 BCE

    Rome begins construction of the Via Appia

  • 302 BCE

    Rome backs the Cilnii Clan

    Rome intervenes to assist the ruling Cilnii clan at Arretium against a popular uprising.
  • 300 BCE

    Ogulnian Law is passed

    The Olgulnian Law is passed, allowing plebeians to join the colleges of pontiffs and augurs
  • Period: 298 BCE to 290 BCE

    Third Samnite War

    Third Samnite War. Victory for Rome, peace with the Etruscans.
  • Period: 298 BCE to 290 BCE

    Third Samnite War

    Rome fights the Samnites in the Third Samnite War (winning in 290BCE)
  • 295 BCE

    Temple of Venus

    The first temple to Venus is dedicated on Rome's Aventine Hill.
  • 295 BCE

    Roman victory over Samnites, Gauls and Umbrians at Sentinum.

  • 292 BCE

    Romans adopt Greek god of Medicine

    The Romans adopt the Greek god of medicine Asclepius by stealing his sacred snake from Epidaurus and setting up a temple on the Tiber Island.
  • 287 BCE

    The Lex Hotensia

    The Lex Hotensia states that laws passed in Rome by the Concilium Plebis are binding to all people, even patricians.
  • Period: 285 BCE to 282 BCE

    Rome defeats the Celts

    Rome defeats the Celts in Italy. Rome's dominance in central Italy is secured.
  • 283 BCE

    Rome defeats the Senones

    Rome decisively defeats the Senones at Picenum.
  • Period: 280 BCE to 272 BCE

    Roman War against Tarentum

    Roman war against Tarentum. Rome conquers Tarentum. Rome's dominance in lower Italy is secured.
  • Period: 280 BCE to 275 BCE

    Pyrrhic War

    Rome fights the Pyrrhic War against the Greeks of Southern Italy who are allied with King Pyrrhus of Epirus (winning in 275 BCE)
  • 273 BCE

    Roman colony established at Paestum

  • 273 BCE

    Etruscan town of Cerveteri conquered by Rome

  • Period: 272 BCE to 269 BCE

    Rome's Anio Vetus aqueduct constructed.

  • 270 BCE

    Roman occupation of Tarentum

    Rome occupies Tarentum in Magna Graecia.
  • 265 BCE

    Roman power extends through central and southern Italy

  • 264 BCE

    The First Punic War begins

    Hiero II of Syracuse attacks the Sons of Mars at Messana in Sicily; the Sons of Mars ask for help form both Rome and Carthage; Roman forces are sent to Sicily to fight the Carthaginians; the First Punic War begins
  • Period: 264 BCE to 241 BCE

    First Punic War

    First Punic War. Carthage cedes Sicily to Rome.
  • Period: 264 BCE to 146 BCE

    The Punic Wars

  • 263 BCE

    Shrine of Minerva

    A shrine is dedicated to Minerva on the Aventine in Rome.
  • 262 BCE

    Rome attacks Agrigento

    Rome besieges and sacks Agrigento on Sicily in one of the first actions of the First Punic War.
  • 262 BCE

    Rome sends consuls to Agrigentum

  • 260 BCE

    Building of Roman fleet

    Rome builds a fleet of 120 ships in just 60 days to fight the First Punic War.
  • Period: 259 BCE to 258 BCE

    Roman consuls capture Corsica and Sardinia

  • 258 BCE

    Roman victory in naval battle against Carthage

    Rome wins a naval battle against Carthage at Sulcis during the First Punic War.
  • 256 BCE

    Landing of Roman army at Clupea

    Rome lands an army of four legions on African soil at Clupea during the First Punic War.
  • 256 BCE

    Victory for Rome in south Tunis

    Rome wins a land battle south of Tunis during the First Punic War.
  • 256 BCE

    Roman forces invade Africa

  • 255 BCE

    100 elephants used in combat by Xanthippus

  • 255 BCE

    Battles of the First Punic War and loss of Roman fleet

    The Romans are defeated in battle by Carthaginian troops under the command of the Spartan Xanthippus in Africa; the Romans win the fifth naval battle of the war (Battle of Cape Hermaea) but their fleet is destroyed in a storm
  • 254 BCE

    Rebuilding of Roman fleet, Fighting continues in Sicily

    The Romans rebuild their fleet; fighting in Sicily continues with Carthaginians confined to the western edge of the island
  • Period: 254 BCE to 241 BCE

    First Punic War

  • 250 BCE

    Carthage controls much of the North African coast

  • 249 BCE

    Carthage defeats Rome at Drepanum

    Carthage defeats Rome in a naval battle at Drepanum during the First Punic War.
  • 247 BCE

    Hamilcar Barca takes charge of the Carthaginian forces

    Hamilcar Barca takes charge of the Carthaginian forces and strikes back at Rome
  • 241 BCE

    Battle of the Aegates Islands, Carthage agrees to peace treaty

    The Romans win the sixth anf final naval battle of the war (the Battle of the Aegates Islands); Carthage agrees to a peace treaty, ending the First Punic War
  • 241 BCE

    Mercenary War begins

    The Mercenary War begins in North Africa between Carthage and mutinous mercenaries
  • Period: 241 BCE to 238 BCE

    Mercenary War

  • Period: 241 BCE to 238 BCE

    Rebellion of the Mercenaries

    The rebellion of the mercenaries: Unpaid mercenaries under the leadership of Mathos and Spendios rebel against Carthage. Despite a peace treaty, Rome seizes the opportunity to strip Carthage of Sardinia and Corsica.
  • 237 BCE

    Reassertion of Carthaginian control of Spain

    Hamilcar Barca goes to Spain with his young son, Hannibal, to reassert Carthaginian control of Spain
  • 230 BCE

    Rome creates new provinces in non-Italian territories

  • 229 BCE

    Hamilcar Barca dies and is succeeded as the governor of Spain by his son-in-law Hasdrubal

  • Period: 229 BCE to 228 BCE

    Rome fights Illyrian pirates

    Rome fights Illyrian pirates. Queen Teuta pays tribute to Rome.
  • Period: 229 BCE to 228 BCE

    First Illyrian War

    Rome and Illyria fight each other in the First Illyrian War
  • 226 BCE

    Hasdrubal signs agreement with Rome

    Hasdrubal signs an agreement with Rome not to cross the Ebro river in Spain.
  • 226 BCE

    The Ebro River Treaty is signed

    The Ebro River Treaty is signed between Rome and Carthage, limiting the extent of Carthage's area of control to northern Spain
  • 225 BCE

    Segesta is granted the status of civitas immunis et libera by Rome.

  • 222 BCE

    Rome conquers Cisalpine Gaul (modern-day Provence, France).

  • 221 BCE

    Hasdrubal dies; his brother-in-law Hannibal becomes governor of Spain

  • 219 BCE

    Archagathus arrives in Rome

    The physician Archagathus of Sparta arrives in Rome.
  • 219 BCE

    Hannibal sacks Saguntum

    Hannibal crosses the Ebro river in Spain and sacks the city of Saguntum, Rome's ally, sparking off the Second Punic War.
  • 218 BCE

    Rome declares war on Carthage. Second Punic War begins

    Rome declares war on Carthage after Hannibal sacks Saguntum in Spain. The Second Punic War begins.
  • 218 BCE

    Second Punic War begins, Battle of Trebia

    The Second Punic War begins' Hannibal enters Italy; Hannibal's forces defeat the Romans at the Battle of Trebia
  • 218 BCE

    Roman forces in Spain against the Carthaginians

    Gnaeus and Publius Cornelius Scipio lead Roman forces in Spain against Carthaginians under the command of Hasdrubal (Hannibal's brother)
  • Period: 218 BCE to 201 BCE

    Second Punic War

  • 217 BCE

    Battle of Lake Trasimene, Quintus Fabius Maximum is appointed dictator

    Hannibal's forces defeat the Romans at the Battle of Lake Trasimene, Quintus Fabius Maximum is appointed dictator
  • 216 BCE

    Hannibal threatens Rome

    "Hannibal ante portas." Hannibal directly threatens the city of Rome, but cannot advance due to lack of supplies and reinforcements.
  • 216 BCE

    Battle of Cannae

    Hannibal's forces defeat the Romans at the Battle of Cannae
  • 216 BCE

    Battle of Cannae

    Roman confidence and morale battered by defeat in Battle of Cannae - Senate imposes restrictions on buying luxury goods to save money for war
  • Period: 214 BCE to 205 BCE

    First Macedonian War

    First Macedonian War: Rome defeats Philip V of Macedon.
  • 213 BCE

    Attack on Carthaginian interest by Syphax

    Hasdrubal deployed from Spain to North Africa to fend off attack on Carthaginian interests by Syphax, an ally of Rome.
  • Period: 213 BCE to 212 BCE

    Rome sacks Syracuse

    Roman commander Marcus Claudius Marcellus lays seige to and ultimately sacks Syracuse.
  • 212 BCE

    Carthaginian army defeated in Sicily by Rome

    A Carthaginian army is defeated in Sicily by a Roman army led by Marcellus. Syracuse falls to Rome who now control the island.
  • Period: 212 BCE to 205 BCE

    Achaean League sides with Macedon

    The Achaean League sides with Macedon against Rome in the First Macedonian War.
  • 210 BCE

    Rome attacks Agrigento.

  • 210 BCE

    Publius Cornelius Scipio (later known as Scipio Africanus) is granted imperium to lead Roman forces in Spain

  • Period: 210 BCE to 207 BCE

    Rome conquers Spain

    Scipio Africanus conquers Spain for Rome.
  • 207 BCE

    Battle of Metaurus

    Rome defeats a Carthaginian army at the battle of Metaurus.
  • 207 BCE

    Quintus Fabius Maximus is appointed the first dictator in thirty years

  • 206 BCE

    Scipio returns to Rome and is elected consul

  • 204 BCE

    Scipio invades Africa

  • 201 BCE

    Many farmers who had fought in the Second Punic War drift to cities - agricultural production declines

  • 201 BCE

    Carthage agrees to Rome's peace terms, ending the Second Punic War

  • 200 BCE

    Roman dominance of Italian coinage production

    Rome now dominates the production of coinage in Italy.
  • 200 BCE

    Dionysian rites performed in Rome

    Rome now dominates the production of coinage in Italy.
  • Period: 200 BCE to 196 BCE

    Achaean League sides with Rome

    The Achaean League sides with Rome in the Second Macedonian War.
  • 196 BCE

    Triumphal Arches built

    The earliest known Triumphal Arches are built in Rome by L.Sertinius.
  • 192 BCE

    Vejovis Temple

    A temple dedicated to Vejovis is built in Rome.
  • 191 BCE

    Rome defeated at Magnesia

    Antiochus III and his army, including many Galatians, are defeated by Rome at Magnesia.
  • 191 BCE

    The Achaean League signs a treaty of alliance with Rome.

  • 189 BCE

    Rome gives control of Lycia to Rhodes.

  • 188 BCE

    The treaty of Apamea Kibotos.

    The treaty of Apamea Kibotos. Peace and alliance is established between the Seleucid Empire and Rome joined by its allies, such as Pergamon and Rhodes. The Seleucids have to evacuate all the land and the cities from Asia Minor and to pay a huge war indemnity.
  • 188 BCE

    Rome gives Samos its independence.

  • 184 BCE

    The first basilica is added to Rome's Forum Romanum.

  • 180 BCE

    The Villian Law

    The Villian Law regulates the cursus honorum (offical hierarchy)
  • 179 BCE

    The Basilica Fulvia is added to Rome's Forum Romanum.

  • Period: 172 BCE to 168 BCE

    Third Macedonian War:

    Third Macedonian War: Perseus of Macedon challenges Rome and is defeated.
  • 169 BCE

    The Basilica Sempronia is built in Rome's Forum Romanum.

  • 168 BCE

    Rome defeats Macedon at Battle of Pydna.

  • 166 BCE

    Delos under jurisdiction of Athens

    Rome puts Delos under the jurisdiction of Athens and makes the island a free port.
  • 166 BCE

    Rome gives dominion over the Cyclades to Athens.

  • 159 BCE

    First water-clock set up in Rome.

  • 150 BCE

    Carthaginian army attacks Numidia

    A Carthaginian army attacks Numidia, breaking the peace treaty agreed with Rome and sparking the Third Punic War.
  • 150 BCE

    Around 400 000 male adult Romans are entitled to vote

  • 149 BCE

    Rome sends army to attack Carthage

    Rome sends an army of 80,000 infantry and 4,000 cavalry to attack Carthage.
  • 149 BCE

    Rome begins the Third Punic War

  • 149 BCE

    Rome fights the Fourth Macedonian War against Adriscus of Macedonia

  • Period: 149 BCE to 146 BCE

    Third Punic War

  • Period: 149 BCE to 148 BCE

    Fourth Macedonian War

  • 147 BCE

    Scipio Aemilianus takes command of Roman forces fighting against Carthage

  • 146 BCE

    Temple of Jupiter Stater

    First Roman all-marble building is constructed, the temple of Jupiter Stater in Rome.
  • 146 BCE

    Rome sacks Corinth and dissolves the Achaean league. Greece is ruled by Rome.

  • 146 BCE

    War breaks out between Rome and the Achaean League

  • 146 BCE

    Revolts against Rome in Greece are crushed

    Revolts against Rome in Greece are crushed, leading to the Sack of Corinth and the conversion of Macedonia into a Roman province
  • 146 BCE

    Rome wins the Third Punic War

    Rome wins the Third Punic War, Carthage is destroyed and Africa becomes a Roman province