Foundation of Rome
According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus, who became its first king. This event marks the beginning of the Roman civilization, which would eventually grow into the powerful Roman Empire.
753 BC
509 BC
Establishment of the Roman Republic
The Roman Republic was established in 509 BC after the overthrow of the last king, Tarquin the Proud. This transition marked a significant shift from monarchy to a system of governance that included elected officials and a Senate, laying the groundwork for the future Roman Empire.
390 BC
Sack of Rome by the Gauls
In 390 BC, the city of Rome was sacked by the Gauls, a significant event that highlighted the vulnerabilities of the early Republic. This attack prompted Rome to strengthen its military and fortifications, paving the way for future expansion.
264-146 BC
Punic Wars
The Punic Wars were a series of three conflicts between Rome and Carthage, culminating in Rome's victory and the destruction of Carthage in 146 BC. These wars established Rome as a dominant power in the Mediterranean and expanded its territories significantly.
27 BC
Beginning of the Roman Empire
In 27 BC, Julius Caesar's adopted heir, Octavian, was granted the title of Augustus, marking the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. This event is often seen as the beginning of the imperial era, characterized by centralized power and territorial expansion.
14 AD
Death of Augustus and the Rise of Tiberius
Augustus died in 14 AD, and his stepson Tiberius succeeded him as the second emperor of the Roman Empire. This marked the continuation of the imperial lineage and the consolidation of imperial authority.
117 AD
Height of the Roman Empire under Trajan
Under Emperor Trajan, the Roman Empire reached its greatest territorial extent in 117 AD. Trajan's conquests in Dacia and the Middle East solidified Rome's status as a superpower of the ancient world.
212 AD
The Edict of Caracalla, also known as the Constitution Antoniniana, was issued in 212 AD, granting Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants of the empire. This significant reform aimed to integrate the diverse populations within the Roman Empire and enhance loyalty to Rome.
284 AD
Diocletian's Reforms and the Tetrarchy
In 284 AD, Emperor Diocletian initiated a series of reforms to stabilize the Roman Empire, including the establishment of the Tetrarchy, dividing the empire into four regions governed by co-emperors. This was a response to internal strife and external threats.
313 AD
The Edict of Milan, issued in 313 AD by Constantine the Great, granted religious tolerance throughout the Roman Empire, particularly towards Christianity. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Roman Empire, leading to the eventual adoption of Christianity as the state religion.
330 AD
In 330 AD, Emperor Constantine established Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) as the new capital of the Roman Empire. This strategic location bridged Europe and Asia and became a center of trade and culture, further enhancing the empire's influence.
395 AD
Upon the death of Emperor Theodosius I in 395 AD, the Roman Empire was permanently divided into the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire). This division marked a significant turning point in the history of the Roman Empire, leading to different trajectories for each half.
476 AD
The Western Roman Empire officially fell in 476 AD when the last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by the Germanic king Odoacer. This event is often cited as the end of ancient Rome and the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe, marking a significant decline in the influence of the Roman Empire.
1453 AD
The fall of Constantinople in 1453 AD to the Ottoman Empire marked the end of the Eastern Roman Empire. This event symbolized the end of the Roman Empire's influence in the region and the emergence of a new era in world history.
