ancient Rome History Timeline and Biographies

753 BCE

Foundation of Rome

According to legend, ancient Rome was founded in 753 BCE by Romulus and Remus, twin brothers raised by a she-wolf. This event marks the beginning of the Roman Kingdom, a period characterized by monarchical rule and the establishment of early Roman institutions.

509 BCE

Establishment of the Roman Republic

The overthrow of the last king, Tarquin the Proud, led to the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 BCE. This period introduced a system of governance with elected officials, including consuls and a Senate, marking a significant shift in ancient Rome's political structure.

390 BCE

Sack of Rome by the Gauls

In 390 BCE, ancient Rome faced a devastating attack by the Gauls, who sacked the city. This event highlighted the vulnerabilities of the early Republic and prompted reforms in military organization and urban fortifications.

264-146 BCE

The Punic Wars

The Punic Wars, fought between ancient Rome and Carthage, spanned from 264 to 146 BCE. These conflicts established Rome as a dominant power in the Mediterranean, culminating in the destruction of Carthage and significant territorial expansion for ancient Rome.

44 BCE

Assassination of Julius Caesar

The assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March in 44 BCE marked a turning point in ancient Rome's history. His death led to a power struggle and the eventual rise of the Roman Empire, ending the Republic's era of governance.

27 BCE

Establishment of the Roman Empire

In 27 BCE, Octavian, later known as Augustus, became the first emperor of ancient Rome, marking the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. This period brought about significant political stability and expansion of the empire's borders.

14 CE

Death of Augustus and Succession of Tiberius

The death of Augustus in 14 CE led to the succession of Tiberius, solidifying the imperial system established by Augustus. This period is marked by relative peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.

64 CE

Great Fire of Rome

In 64 CE, a catastrophic fire swept through ancient Rome, destroying much of the city. Emperor Nero's response included significant rebuilding efforts, but he also faced accusations of having started the fire himself.

117 CE

Height of the Roman Empire

By 117 CE, under Emperor Trajan, ancient Rome reached its greatest territorial extent, encompassing vast regions across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. This period is often referred to as the height of the Roman Empire.

212 CE

In 212 CE, Emperor Caracalla granted Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants of the empire through the Edict of Caracalla, known as the Constitution Antoniniana. This significant change aimed to unify the diverse populations of ancient Rome.

284 CE

Emperor Diocletian initiated a series of reforms in 284 CE to stabilize the Roman Empire, including the division of the empire into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires and the establishment of the Tetrarchy to improve governance.

313 CE

The Edict of Milan, issued in 313 CE by Emperor Constantine, granted religious tolerance to Christians and allowed the practice of Christianity within ancient Rome, marking a significant shift in the empire's religious landscape.

395 CE

In 395 CE, the Roman Empire was permanently divided into the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) and the Western Roman Empire upon the death of Emperor Theodosius I, leading to distinct cultural and political developments in each region.

476 CE

The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE, marked by the deposition of the last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, is often cited as the end of ancient Rome's political dominance in the West and the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe.