Ancient Rome- Grace S

The Evolution of Rome

Period: 800 BCE to 500

From the Empire to the Republic, these are the major events in the history of Rome.

Rome was founded

753 BCE

According to Roman legend, in 753 BC, Rome was founded by two brothers, Romulus and Remus. These two demi-gods were originally rescued from a river and raised by a female wolf. They were eventually found by a shepherd and his wife. When they were older, Romulus killed his brother, Remus, after a fight, and he found and named the city of Rome.

The Beginning of the Roman Republic

509 BCE

The republic was a major part of early Rome. It was centered around three major branches. The Consuls, the Senate, and the Assembly. The Consuls were two patricians from the upper class of society, and they acted as judges. The Senate was made up of 300 patricians, and they advised the Assembly and the consuls. The Assembly was made up of plebians, and they had the power to declare war. These three branches had different jobs so that no one branch was too powerful.

Roman territory expanding

270 BCE

The Roman armies made of citizens were divided into powerful legions of 5,000 men. These loyal men fought for their Empire and by 207 BC, they had conquered the entire peninsula. Rome was gaining power very quickly.

The first Punic War

264 BCE

Rome was beginning to gain power. As they did, a nearby empire called Carthage noticed their sudden uprising. Carthage had control of the western Mediterranean, Spain, and North Africa. The fight for territory revolved around the two islands of Corsica and Sicily. The first war ended in 241 BC with Rome keeping control of these two Islands.

The second Punic War (The Hannibalic War)

218 BCE

Rome and Carthage continued the fight for power, only this war was over the territories of Spain, Italy, Sicily, Sardina, and North Africa. The Carthaginians were led by a successful commander named Hannibal. The Romans, however, were led by an intelligent leader named Scipio Africanus. Scipio ultimately led Rome to yet another victory against Carthage in 201 BC.

The third Punic War

149 BCE

Yet again, Carthage and Rome fought for power in the third Punic war. It began with Carthage breaking their treaty with Rome, and Rome knew they had to do something about it. Lead by a new leader named Scipio Aemilianus, Rome attacked Carthage in their home town and defeated Carthage once and for all in 146 BC. Carthage was destroyed.

The fight for World domination

133 BCE

With Carthage defeated, not much stood in the way of the Romans, and they expanded their empire around the World. By 133 BC, Romans had control over almost all the land touching the Mediterranean Sea. Macedonia, Greece, parts of Asia Minor, and Egypt were all either under Roman control or allies with the Roman forces.

Expanding and Reforming the Republic

46 BCE

Julius Ceaser rose to power after he led his army and defeated Gaul. He began a reform in the public to help with the balance of the social classes. He created public works for those who didn't have jobs, granted citizenship to conquered peoples, and established the calendar used for some thousand years to come. He also expanded the Roman rule to much of the Mediterranean.

The Death of Julius Caesar

44 BCE

The legendary, Julius Ceaser was stabbed to death by his rivals. These men were also senators who despised Ceaser for taking their power away. His death ultimately lead to a civil war, but he is still remembered today for one of his famous lines, "I came, I saw, I conquered."

The end of the Roman Republic/ Beginning of the Empire

27 BCE

Under Julius Ceaser's rule, things began to unravel. The Plebians became pooer as the Patricians gained more wealth. This led to an imbalance in the social classes, and there was a lack of jobs for Plebians. Also, the government became corrupt and only cared about their own interests. Once he died, Octavian rose to power, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire.

The beginning of the Pax Romana

27 BCE

The Pax Romana, meaning "Roman peace," lasted roughly 200 years. From the rule of Augustus to Marcus Aurelius, Rome was thriving. Trade was good with Egypt, Africa, India, and China. Also, different ideas and cultures were spreading, and roads were maintained by Roman legions. The people were entertained by gladiators in coliseums. The Pax Romana ended 180 AD.

Jesus Christ is Born

4 BCE

Jesus was born in Bethlehem near Jerusalem. Jesus began his ministry throughout Galilee when he was 30 years old. He began healing the sick and performing miracles. His popularity grew until he was crucified and died. But, his disciples taught his message after he rose from the grave for many years to follow.

The Zealot revolt

66

The Zealots were a group of Jewish people who refused to follow the Roman rule because they were being forced to worship Roman gods along with their own. Then, in 66 AD, the Zealots revolted against the Romans. However, the revolt did not last long because the Romans burned down the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Jews were forced to flee in fear of persecution and death.

Pompeii and Roman Art

79

A volcano erupted in 79 AD burying the Roman city, Pompeii, in ash. The city was filled with beautiful artwork. Underneath the ash were Roman mosaics, arches, and aqueducts, which was the Roman invention that carried water from the hills to the city. During these times, engineering, poems, and astronomy were very popular. Rome was prospering.

The end of the Pax Romana

180

The death of Marcus Aurelius led to the end of the Roman A downward spiral quickly came to Rome. Generals and politicians fought for power and one after the other they ruled. Each was either overthrown or assassinated, and it seemed as if no one leader could hold power. 26 different leaders rules in a 50 year period of time. The economy weakened, and social problems became more prevalent. Broke farmers moved to the city and begged for food, and legions were no longer invincible.

Diocletian divides the Empire

284

The downfall in Rome seemed near, so Emperor Diocletian tried to fix it. He appointed Maximian as a co-emperor of Rome. Maximian ruled the western provinces, and Diocletian took the eastern areas. He fixed many prices of goods and services. He made everyone follow the occupation of their parents. The reforms helped, but not long enough. Within 200 years, the Western Empire fell. The Eastern Empire lasted until 1450.

Constantine takes the throne

312

Although Constantine is known for creating the Edict of Milan, he also changed Rome in other ways. Constantine named a new capital in Rome called Byzantium. He changed this city's name to Constantinople. This is what really shifted the center of power to the eastern half of the Empire. He also reformed Rome when he became a Christian.

Edict of Milan

313

Christians throughout the Roman Empire were being persecuted for their religion. They had to worship in hiding. But, in 312 AD Emperor Constantine ordered all persecution to stop, and he himself became a believer. People across Rome became Christians, and in 313 AD, the Edict of Milan gave religious freedom to Christians everywhere. Within the century, Christianity had become the official religion of Rome.

The Huns

370

A very powerful Germanic tribe called the Huns began to push their way into Roman territory. They came because of the wars throughout central Asia, and their territory was expanding. The Hun controlled Britain, France, Spain, and now Rome. They were some of the most feared conquerors because of their cruel ways. They pushed on until in 434 AD they invaded Europe and destroyed protesters once and for all.

The fall of Rome

476

Due to the military, economic, political, and social problems in Rome, the Empire fell. The Germanic invasions weakened the Roman army to a point where they couldn't fight back. High taxes and population decline weighed heavily on the economy. Corrupt officials and the oppressive government lead to a divided Empire. And, the division between social classes led to poor people being fed and entertained for free. After the fall, citizens continued life as before, but under new rulers.