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Romulus becomes the founder of Rome after killing his brother, Remus. This marks the beginning of Roman civilization and the start of Roman identity. -
Rome’s early kings created political and religious institutions, including the Senate. These foundations shaped how Roman government developed over time.
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Etruscan rulers introduced monumental architecture, engineering, and city planning. They built temples, stone streets, and expanded the city.
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The Romans overthrew Tarquinius Superbus. This ended the monarchy and led to the creation of the Roman Republic. The new government introduced elected officials and checks on power. -
The plebeians protested unfair treatment by leaving Rome to Mons Sacer and refusing military service. Their action forced the patricians to grant new rights, the creation of the Tribune of the Plebs. This event expanded political participation in Rome.
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First written law code that was created to ensure fairer treatment of all citizens. The laws were displayed publicly so everyone could know their rights. -
The Gauls invaded Italy and burned most of Rome. The attack shocked the Republic and revealed its vulnerabilities. In response, Rome strengthened its defenses and improved its military. -
Rome and Carthage fought for control of the western Mediterranean. This long and difficult war forced Rome to build a powerful navy for the first time. Rome’s victory marked its emergence as a major international power.
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During the Second Punic War, the Carthaginian general Hannibal marched elephants over the Alps into Italy. His surprise attack led to several major victories. Rome eventually defeated him, but the war tested the Republic. -
Roman general Scipio Africanus defeated Hannibal in North Africa, ending the Second Punic War. Rome became the dominant power in the Mediterranean.
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Tiberius Gracchus attempted to redistribute land to poor citizens. His reforms caused intense conflict with the Senate and led to his and 300 followers assassination.
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Gaius Marius changed the Roman army by allowing landless citizens to join. Soldiers became more loyal to their generals than to the state. This shift contributed to the civil wars that eventually ended the Republic. -
Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus formed an illegal alliance to control Roman politics. Their cooperation gave them enormous power. However, tensions later led to rivalry and conflict. -
Julius Caesar marched his army into Italy, sparking a civil war against Pompey and the Senate. The act was considered treason but won him support. It paved the way for his rise to dictatorship.
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A group of 60 conspirators, who were led by Cassius and Brutus murdered Caesar on the Ides of March, hoping to save the Republic. Instead, his death threw Rome into chaos and more civil wars. This crisis ultimately led to the rise of the Roman Empire. -
Octavian defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra in a decisive naval battle. Their defeat ended the civil wars that had torn Rome apart. Octavian soon became the first Roman emperor.
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Octavian changes his name to Augustus, marking the official start of the Roman Empire. He reorganized the government and brought stability after years of conflict. His rule began a long era of peace and prosperity. -
Augustus restructured the military, improved taxation, and launched major building projects, like the Pax Romania. These reforms strengthened Rome and ensured loyalty to the emperor
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A massive fire swept through Rome, destroying many neighborhoods. Nero responded by rebuilding the city with safer streets and fireproof materials. The disaster also had major political consequences.
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Domitian is murdered by a group of individuals including his own wife, ending the Flavian dynasty. His death left no heir, creating another power vacuum. This moment allows the Senate to reshape imperial leadership and choose Nerva. -
When Nerva dies, Trajan becomes emperor and restores stability to the empire. He is known as the best ruler. Under Trajan, Rome enters one of its most prosperous eras.
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Facing pressure from the army, Nerva adopts Trajan as his heir. This decision prevents a civil war and begins Rome’s system. It leads into the Five Good Emperors. -
Under Trajan, Rome expands farther than ever before, stretching from Britain to the Middle East. This is the peak of Roman territorial control. After this, Rome shifts from expansion to protecting what it already holds.
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After Trajan’s death, Hadrian becomes emperor and changes Rome’s direction. Instead of expanding, he focuses on stabilizing borders and promoting peace. Hadrian’s rule begins a more defensive strategy for the empire.
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Marcus Aurelius breaks tradition by sharing power with Lucius Verus. Their reign is marked by wars and a devastating plague brought back by troops. This plague weakens Rome’s military and population for years.
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Marcus Aurelius names Commodus as co-ruler, ending the adoptive succession system. Commodus’s later rule becomes unstable and violent. This decision is viewed as the beginning of Rome’s long decline. -
Odoacer removed the last Western Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus. This marks the official fall of the Western Roman Empire. Although the Byzantine Empire continued, the West broke into smaller kingdoms, ending ancient Roman rule in Europe.