Ancient Rome Timeline [753-146BCE]

By Miaaa1234
  • Period: 770 BCE to 753 BCE

    Foundation Narratives

    Rome was founded in 753 BCE, according to the legend of Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars. Raised by a she-wolf, they grew up to found a city. Romulus killed Remus after a dispute and named the city Rome. The tale symbolises Roman values like strength, duty, and divine origin. The myth was later used by Augustus to legitimise his rule, linking Rome’s founding to the heroic Trojan Aeneas and shaping Roman identity and political authority.
  • 753 BCE

    Traditional Date for Founding of Rome

    The traditional founding date is 753 BCE, largely due to calculations by the Roman scholar Marcus Terentius Varro. While the story of Romulus and Remus is a foundational myth, Varro's calculation, based on a timeline of Roman consuls and historical estimations, became the accepted date for the city's founding. Archaeological evidence from the 8th century BCE broadly supports the general timeframe for the city's origins, although the precise date remains a matter of historical convention
  • Period: 753 BCE to 509 BCE

    Period of the Kings in Rome

    Romulus (753–717 BCE)
    Numa Pompilius (717–673 BCE)
    Tullus Hostilius (673–642 BCE)
    Ancus Marcius (642–617 BCE)
    Tarquinius Priscus (616–579 BCE)
    Servius Tullius (578–535 BCE)
    Tarquinius Superbus (535–509 BCE)
  • 620 BCE

    Founding of Ostia - Port of Rome

    Posible founding date for Ostia, the port of Rome.
  • 509 BCE

    Founding of the Roman Republic

    Foundation of the Roman Republic.
  • 499 BCE

    Battle of Lake Regillus

    The Battle of Lake Regillus (499 or 496 BCE) was a legendary early Roman victory over the Latin League, led by Rome’s exiled king Tarquinius Superbus and supported by the Latins. Fought near Lake Regillus, it secured Rome’s dominance in Latium. The battle is famous for the mythical appearance of the twin gods Castor and Pollux aiding Rome. It strengthened the Roman Republic’s power and marked a key step in Rome’s rise over its Latin neighbours.
  • Period: 493 BCE to 287 BCE

    Conflict of the Orders

    The Conflict of the Orders (494–287 BCE) was a power struggle between the Patricians (aristocrats) and Plebeians (commoners) in early Republican Rome. Plebeians sought political equality, leading to key reforms like the creation of the Tribune of the Plebs, the Twelve Tables (first codified laws), and eventually the Lex Hortensia, which gave Plebeian Assembly decisions legal force. It marked the gradual shift toward greater political inclusivity in Rome.
  • Period: 451 BCE to 450 BCE

    The Twelve Tables

    The Twelve Tables (451–450 BCE) were Rome’s first codified laws, created in response to Plebeian demands for legal transparency. Written by a Decemvirate, the laws were displayed publicly and covered civil, religious, and criminal matters. They marked a key step in limiting Patrician legal dominance and laid the foundation for Roman law, promoting fairness and protecting the rights of all Roman citizens.
  • Period: 405 BCE to 396 BCE

    Siege of Veii

    The Siege of Veii (406–396 BCE) was a decade-long conflict between Rome and the wealthy Etruscan city of Veii. Led by Marcus Furius Camillus, Rome’s victory marked its first major expansion beyond Latium. The siege showcased Rome’s growing military power and introduced soldier wages. The fall of Veii symbolised the decline of Etruscan power and paved the way for Roman dominance in central Italy.
  • 390 BCE

    Battle of Allia: Sack of Rome by the Gauls

    The Battle of the Allia (390 BCE) was a devastating Roman defeat by the Gauls led by Brennus. Fought near the Allia River, it left Rome vulnerable, leading to the Gauls sacking the city. This traumatic event exposed weaknesses in Rome’s defences and military, prompting major reforms. The sack became a symbol of Roman resilience, with the city eventually rebuilt stronger and more fortified.
  • 328 BCE

    Abolishing of Debt Slavery

    In 326 BCE, Rome abolished debt slavery (nexum), a system where citizens unable to repay debts became bonded laborers. The law, likely the Lex Poetelia, ended the practice of enslaving Roman citizens for debt. This reform eased social tensions between patricians and plebeians, strengthened citizen rights, and marked progress in Rome’s internal political development, contributing to greater unity as Rome expanded its influence in Italy.
  • Period: 326 BCE to 306 BCE

    Second Samnite War

    The Second Samnite War (326-304 BCE) was a major conflict between Rome and the Samnite tribes in central Italy. It began over control of Campania and trade routes. Key battles included the Roman defeat at the Caudine Forks (321 BCE), where troops were humiliated. Despite setbacks, Rome ultimately prevailed, expanding its influence in Italy and weakening Samnite power, paving the way for Roman dominance in the region.
  • Period: 280 BCE to 276 BCE

    The War With Pyrrhus

    The War with Pyrrhus (280-275 BCE) saw Rome face King Pyrrhus of Epirus, who came to aid Greek cities in southern Italy against Roman expansion. Pyrrhus won costly victories at Heraclea (280 BCE) and Asculum (279 BCE), but his heavy losses coined the term "Pyrrhic victory." Despite his skill and elephants, Rome's resources and manpower overwhelmed him. Pyrrhus withdrew, solidifying Roman control over southern Italy and marking a key step in Rome’s rise.
  • Period: 264 BCE to 241 BCE

    First Punic War

    The First Punic War (264-241 BCE) was fought between Rome and Carthage over control of Sicily. It was Rome’s first major naval war, leading to the development of its navy. The conflict featured long, costly battles at sea and on land. Rome’s victory ended Carthaginian dominance in Sicily, which became Rome’s first province. The war marked Rome’s emergence as a naval power and set the stage for further conflicts with Carthage.
  • Period: 261 BCE to 260 BCE

    Rome Constructs a Fleet

    In 261–260 BCE, during the First Punic War, Rome constructed its first major fleet to challenge Carthage’s naval dominance. Using a captured Carthaginian ship as a model, Rome built warships and added the corvus, a boarding device that turned sea battles into land-style combat. This innovation led to Rome’s first naval victory at Mylae (260 BCE). The fleet marked a turning point, allowing Rome to expand its military reach and become a Mediterranean power.
  • Period: 218 BCE to 201 BCE

    Second Punic War

    The Second Punic War (218–201 BCE) was fought between Rome and Carthage, led by Hannibal. Hannibal famously crossed the Alps with elephants, winning key battles like Cannae (216 BCE). Despite early defeats, Rome, under Scipio Africanus, invaded North Africa and defeated Hannibal at Zama (202 BCE). Rome’s victory ended Carthage’s power and expanded Roman dominance across the western Mediterranean, marking a turning point in Rome’s imperial expansion.
  • Period: 149 BCE to 147 BCE

    Third Punic War

    The Third Punic War (149–146 BCE) was the final conflict between Rome and Carthage. Driven by Roman fears of a Carthaginian revival, Rome besieged Carthage for three years. In 146 BCE, the city was destroyed, its population killed or enslaved, and the territory became the Roman province of Africa. The war marked the end of Carthage as a power and cemented Rome’s dominance in the western Mediterranean.
  • 146 BCE

    Significance of the Conquest of Greece

    The conquest of Greece in 146 BCE marked a major cultural and political turning point for Rome. After defeating the Achaean League and destroying Corinth, Greece was brought under Roman control. This conquest gave Rome access to Greek art, philosophy, and education, deeply influencing Roman culture. Politically, it expanded Roman territory and power in the eastern Mediterranean, helping to shape Rome as a dominant imperial force.