Roman Dates Flashcards
Caesar murdered
44 BCE: the Roman general and statesman, was assassinated by a group of Roman senators, including prominent figures like Brutus and Cassius. The assassination was a result of growing concerns about Caesar’s consolidation of power and his increasing influence in the Roman Republic. His death marked a significant turning point in Roman history and played a crucial role in the transformation of the Republic into the Roman Empire.
Civil war between Octavian and others
44-31 BCE: The civil wars involving Octavian, later known as Augustus, marked a pivotal transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. Octavian, along with Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus, formed the Second Triumvirate in 43 BC. Internal conflicts within the Triumvirate eventually led to a decisive victory by Octavian over Antony in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Octavian emerged as the sole ruler, adopted the name Augustus, and established the Principate, effectively ending the Roman Republic and inaugurating the Roman Empire. These civil wars transformed the Roman political landscape and set the stage for the Pax Romana, a period of relative stability and prosperity in the Roman Empire. End Republic and beginning Principate = Octavian’s rule =Augustus now empire 27 BCE-14 CE
Battle of Actium and annexation of Egypt
31 BCE: The Battle of Actium in 31 BC was a decisive naval conflict in which Octavian, later known as Augustus, defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Following their defeat, Egypt was annexed by Octavian in 30 BC, securing its wealth and resources for the Roman Empire. These events marked the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire, with Augustus becoming the first Roman Emperor and ushering in a period of stability known as the Pax Romana.
Julio-Claudian dynasty
14-68 CE: The Julio-Claudian dynasty was a Roman imperial dynasty It was founded by Augustus, the first Roman Emperor, and included emperors such as Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero, who were all related to Augustus. Their rule had a significant impact on the early Roman Empire. It came to an end with Nero’s suicide in 68 AD, leading to a period of civil war and political instability.
Establishment of Christianity
1st century CE: involved the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in the 1st century AD, the formation of early Christian communities, and the conversion of key figures like the Apostle Paul. Emperor Constantine’s support and the Council of Nicaea played crucial roles. Over time, Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire, and it continued to spread
The Flavian Dynasty
69-96 CE: The Flavian Dynasty included three emperors: Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian. Vespasian initiated important construction projects, such as the Colosseum, and brought stability and financial reforms to the empire. His son, Titus, is known for his response to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the opening of the Colosseum. Domitian, Vespasian’s younger son, ruled with authoritarian tendencies and undertook building projects but was assassinated in 96 AD. The Flavians helped stabilize the Roman Empire after a period of civil unrest and set the stage for a period of relative peace and good governance.
The Adoptive Emperors
96-180 CE: The “Adoptive Emperors” refer to a group of Roman emperors who ruled during the “Five Good Emperors” period, a time of stability and prosperity in the Roman Empire. This succession was marked by the adoption of capable rulers rather than hereditary claims. The key emperors were Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. Their rule emphasized good governance, territorial expansion, infrastructure development, and internal stability, making this period distinct in Roman history for its focus on competence in leadership.
The Year of Five Good Emperors
193-194 CE: The “Year of the Five Good Emperors” refers to a period in Roman history from 96 to 180 AD characterized by competent and benevolent rule. The five emperors during this era were Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. Their reigns emphasized good governance, territorial expansion, infrastructure development, and internal stability. This period demonstrated the Roman Empire’s ability to prioritize capable leadership, leading to relative peace and prosperity during their rule.
The Severan Dynasty
193-235 CE: The Severan Dynasty ruled the Roman Empire from 193 to 235 AD and was founded by Septimius Severus. It included several emperors with notable characteristics. Septimius Severus was known for his military campaigns and the revitalization of the Roman army. Caracalla, his son, granted Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants but was also infamous for cruelty. Geta, Caracalla’s younger brother, was murdered by him, leading to instability. The dynasty further included Macrinus, Elagabalus, and Severus Alexander. Macrinus and Elagabalus faced various challenges, while Severus Alexander aimed to restore stability but eventually faced assassination, marking the end of the dynasty. The Severan Dynasty marked a period of both military accomplishments and internal conflicts in the Roman Empire.
Roman citizenship for everyone instituted by Caracalla
212 CE: granting full Roman citizenship to almost all free inhabitants of the Roman Empire, regardless of their origin. This edict had various possible motivations, including increasing tax revenues and consolidating loyalty. It expanded legal rights and contributed to the assimilation of diverse peoples within the empire, leaving a significant legacy in Roman legal and social history.
Rome taken over by West- or Visigoths + political disintegration of the West Roman Empire
410 CE: Rome was captured by the Visigoths, marking the first time in nearly 800 years that it had fallen to an enemy force. While the sack of Rome was not as destructive as previous attacks, it had a profound psychological impact on the Roman Empire, symbolizing its weakening and fragmentation.
The political disintegration of the Western Roman Empire during this period was characterized by economic difficulties, internal strife, and external invasions. The sack of Rome was one of several major events contributing to the decline of the Western Roman Empire. Over the following decades, a series of incompetent emperors, leadership changes, and usurpations further weakened the empire’s stability. Eventually, in 476 AD, the last Roman emperor was overthrown by a Germanic chieftain, marking the symbolic end of the Western Roman Empire.
Last West Roman Emperor abdicates: end of West Roman Empire
476 CE: The end of the Western Roman Empire occurred when the last Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus, abdicated in 476 AD. He was overthrown by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer, marking the symbolic end of more than five centuries of Roman rule in the western part of the empire. Various parts of the Western Roman territories had already been lost to barbarian tribes, and the fall of the Western Roman Empire led to the division of these territories. The Eastern Roman Empire, known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to exist with its capital in Constantinople, carrying on the traditions of the Roman Empire for several more centuries.
Ostrogoths in Italy
476-552 CE: The Ostrogoths, a Germanic people, played a significant role in Italy during the late antiquity and early Middle Ages. Their most prominent period in Italy was marked by the rule of Theodoric the Great, who entered Italy in 488 AD. Under Theodoric’s leadership, the Ostrogothic Kingdom sought to maintain Roman administrative structures and culture, leading to a unique blend of Roman and Gothic traditions. Theodoric’s rule was a time of relative stability and cultural syncretism, but after his death, the kingdom faced conflict with the Eastern Roman Empire, leading to its eventual defeat. The Ostrogoths’ influence left a lasting impact on Italian history and culture.
Start of Early Middle Ages
ca. 6th – 7th century
Establishment of Islam
610-632 CE
