Timeline: Rise Of Rome

753 BCE

Founding of Rome

According to legend, Romulus founded Rome on April 21, 753 BCE, after he and his twin brother Remus were raised by a she-wolf. This event marks the beginning of Roman history and the establishment of the Roman Kingdom.

509 BCE

Establishment of the Roman Republic

The last king of Rome, Tarquin the Proud, was overthrown, leading to the establishment of the Roman Republic. This new government introduced elected officials and a complex system of checks and balances.

494 BCE

First Plebeian Secession

In response to political inequality, the Plebeians withdrew from the city and demanded greater rights, resulting in the creation of the Tribune of the Plebs. This event was a significant step toward social and political reforms in the Republic.

476 BCE

Fall of the Western Roman Empire

The deposition of Emperor Romulus Augustulus by the Germanic leader Odoacer is traditionally marked as the end of the Western Roman Empire. This event signaled a major shift in European history, leading to the rise of various barbarian kingdoms.

395 BCE

Permanent Division of the Empire

The death of Theodosius I led to the formal division of the Roman Empire into Eastern and Western halves. This division would have lasting consequences for the political landscape of Europe.

390 BCE

Sack of Rome by the Gauls

The city was invaded and sacked by the Gauls led by Brennus, marking one of the lowest points in Roman history. The event instilled a lasting fear of foreign invasions and prompted military reforms.

330 BCE

Founding of Constantinople

Constantine established Byzantium as the new capital of the Roman Empire, renaming it Constantinople. This city became a cultural and economic hub, bridging Europe and Asia for centuries.

313 BCE

Edict of Milan

Issued by Emperor Constantine, the Edict of Milan legalized Christianity and promoted religious tolerance throughout the empire. This marked a significant shift in Roman policy, leading to Christianity’s rise as a dominant faith.

284 BCE

Reform of Diocletian

Emperor Diocletian implemented a series of reforms to stabilize the empire, including dividing it into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. His policies helped address economic and military crises but set the stage for future divisions.

248 BCE

First Punic Wars

The First Punic War began over a dispute regarding the control of Sicily, a strategically important island. It ended with Rome's victory, leading to the surrender of Carthage and the loss of Sicily, which became Rome's first province outside the Italian Peninsula.

218 BCE

Second Punic War

This war was ignited by Hannibal's surprise attack on Rome through the Alps after the Romans intervened in a conflict involving Carthage and its Spanish territories. It concluded with a decisive Roman victory at the Battle of Zama, forcing Carthage to cede significant territories and pay large reparations.

149 BCE

Third Punic War

The Third Punic War was initiated by Roman fears of Carthaginian resurgence and resulted from Carthage's defiance of Roman authority. It ended with the complete destruction of Carthage, marking the end of Carthaginian power and the consolidation of Roman dominance in the Mediterranean.

117 BCE

Height of the Roman Empire

Under Emperor Trajan, the Roman Empire reached its greatest territorial extent, stretching from Britain to the Middle East. This expansion solidified Rome's status as the dominant power in the ancient world.

79 BCE

Eruption of Mount Vesuvius

The catastrophic eruption buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under volcanic ash, preserving them for centuries. This disaster provided modern archaeologists with invaluable insights into Roman life.

73 BCE

Famous Slave Revolt

Spartacus was a Roman slave and gladiator who led a revolt against Rome, which turned into the Third Servile War

66 BCE

Judaism Revolt

Temple in Jerusalem is destroyed. Jewish rebellion against Roman rule in Judaea.

64 BCE

Great Fire of Rome

A devastating fire swept through Rome, destroying much of the city and leading to widespread suffering. Emperor Nero controversially blamed Christians for the disaster, leading to severe persecution.

48 BCE

Crossing of the Rubicon

Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River, defying the Senate’s orders and igniting a civil war in Rome. His actions demonstrated the fragility of the Republic and set the stage for his rise to power.

44 BCE

Caesars Death

Julius Caesar was assassinated by about 40 Roman senators and his death resulted in a long series of civil wars that ended in the death of the Roman Republic and the birth of the Roman Empire.