Roman Civilization

550

550 BCE

By A.D. 550, the Western Rome Empire had faded away. However, many Roman beliefs still reamained in use.

476

476 BCE

In A.D. 476, a Germanic general named Odoacer took control, overthrowing the Western Emperor (A 14 year old boy by the name of Romulus Augustulus). After Romulus was overthrown, no emperor ever ruled from Rome again.

455

455 BCE

In A.D. 455, the Vandals entered Rome. They spent 12 days stripping buildings of everything that was of value and burning those items.

410

410 BCE

In A.D. 410, the Visigoth leader Alaric and his soldiers captured Rome in its entirety. They burned records and looted treasury. Rome's capture by Alaric was a massive shock the empire's people. This was the first time in 800 years that Rome had been captured

406

406 BCE

In A.D. 406, the Rhine River in Western Europe froze over. Germanic groups crossed over the frozen river and entered Gaul, which is modern-day France. The Romans were too weak to force them back across the border.

395

395 BCE

In A.D. 395, the Roman Empire was split into two separate empires. One was the Western Roman Empire, with its capital being Rome. The other one was the Eastern Roman Empire, with its capital being Constantinople.

378

378 BCE

In A.D. 378, the Visigoths defeated the Roman legions at the battle of Adrianople. After they were conquered, Rome was forced to surrender land to the Visigoths.

Late 300s

364 BCE

In late A.D. 300s, the Huns entered Eastern Europe and defeated the Ostrogoths. The Visigoths, fearing that they'd be targeted next, asked the Eastern Roman emperor for protection. He let them stay inside the empire's border, but in return they promise to be loyal to Rome.

337

337 BCE

Constantine died in A.D. 337, causing fights to break out again. A new emperor named Theodosius finally gained control and ended the fighting.

312

312 BCE

In 312 A.D. Constantine issued several orders. These orders forced the sons of workers to work the land their fathers worked, and the sons of soldiers to serve in the army.

284

284 BCE

In 284 A.D. a general named Diocletian became emperor of Rome. He introduced reforms/political changes to make things better.

235

235 BCE

In A.D. 235, Rome's government became extremely weak. For nearly 50 years, army leaders battled over the throne. Rome had 22 different emperors during this time period

200s

200 BCE

In A.D. 200, Rome's economy began to fall apart. This caused law and order in Rome to break down.