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AROUND 600 BC- The Etruscans established cities from northern to central Italy. The Etruscans lived predominantly north of Rome. Rome, especially at the time of its creation, was greatly influenced by the Etruscan civilization.
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Around 509 BC, Rome became a republic. People of prominence in Rome no longer wanted to be under the control of the Etruscans. To gain independence, the aristocrats had to appease the lower classes by giving them a say/vote in government. In addition, a Senate was formed. This was the start of the Roman Republic.
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In 66 BC, the First Triumvirate was created in Rome. This leadership included the three political figures, Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus. Through alliances amongst themselves, these three men were able to overpower other decisions (particularly the Senate).
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In 56 BC, the First Triumvirate was no longer together in Rome. Their power was no longer unified or centralized. Crassus was in Asia, Caesar was in Gaul, and Pompey was still in Rome. They could no longer have the alliances that they once had with each other because they were too spread apart.
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49 BC- Pompey took control of the Republic's army in Italy. After a defeat to Caesar, he fled to Egypt where he was assasinated. The once amiable relations between the First Triumvirate were definitely a thing of the past.
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In 44 BC, the Second Triumvirate was initiated. This unit was comprised of the alliances between Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus. This triumvirate was an official group. (unlike first triumvirate)
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In 41 BC, Antony had an affair with Cleopatra (Egyptian Queen) after Caesar was killed. Cleopatra had been Caesar's lover. This relationship intertwined Roman and Egyptian government.
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Cleopatra & AntonyI
n 30 BC, Octavian defeated Antony at the Battle of Actium, forcing Antony to flee to Alexandria. Antony and Cleopatra both committed suicide to avoid being under the power of Octavian. -
Nero
In 64 AD, Rome burned under the control of Nero. This fire wiped out huge sections of Rome and offered a wide-spread devastation to Rome. Nero was often criticized for the fire. Many people blamed the fire on him. During this same time, Christians were being persecuted under the power of Nero. -
In 305 AD, Constantine became the first Christian emperor in Rome. Although Christianity was not the official religion in Rome, this started a new wave of hope against Christian persecution.
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In 380 AD under the rule of Theodosius, Christianity became the official religion of Rome. During his ruling, there were many instances where there was an intermixing of church and state affairs.
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In 395 AD, Rome was split into two. Rome was split into the East and the West. Theodosius split Rome so that his two sons would each have a land to govern/ rule. The eastern part became the Byzantine Empire. The western section became the Roman Empire.
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Rome VideoRoman Empire Falls
In 476 AD, Rome falls due to several factors. Splitting Rome caused it to become weakened. The rise of Christianity was causing internal conflicts. Rulers were very corrupt, and oligarchy/tyranny was very prevalent. Rome's last blow was when they were attacked by the Vandals, causing its collapse. -
Much later than the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire fell in 1435 AD.
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In 27 BC, Octavian became known as Caesar Augustus. He became the first emperor of Rome. He had supreme power over every province in Rome. During his time of leadership, Augustus was able to keep a relative peace throughout the empire, allowing the economy to thrive.
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In approximately 33 AD, Jesus Christ was crucified. This started the birth of Christianity. This religious movement caused a lot of friction in Rome and was one of the reasons for Rome's demise.
