Roman Empire Timeline: "Hay Day"

Augustus Becomes Emperor

27 BCE

After the Battle of Actium, Octavian changes his name to Augustus and becomes the first emperor of the Roman Empire.

Julio-Claudian Dynasty

Period: 27 BCE to 68

From 27 BC - 68 AD, Emperor Augustus, Emperor Tiberius, Emperor Caligula, Emperor Claudius, and Emperor Nero were all part of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty

Publication of the Aeneid

19 BCE

The Aeneid, a Latin poem written by Vergil that tells the story of Aeneas and his journey to fulfill the Roman prophecy is published in 19 BC.

Cantabrian Wars End

19 BCE

The Cantabrian Wars end which results in the end of the Roman conquest of Hispania.

Augustus Adopts His Grandsons

17 BCE

Agustus adopts Gaius and Lucius Agrippa.

Secular Games

17 BCE

Augustus brings in Secular Games (Ludi saeculares) which acts as a symbol of the new Golden Age. It is a Roman religious celebration, involving sacrifices and theatrical performances.

Death of Augustus

14 BCE

After 40 years of ruling, Augustus dies at the age of 75 at Nola on August 19, 14 AD and Tiberius becomes emperor.

Birth of Jesus

6 BCE

The exact date is unknown but Jesus is born between 6-4 BC.

Unexplained Death of Germanicus

19

Germanicus dies in 19 AD and it is to be believed that Tiberius poisoned him in order for his own son, Drusus, to succeed.

Tiberius Retires to Capri

26

Tiberius retires to Capri after being saved by Sejanus when his grotto-villa caved in.

Crucification of Jesus

36

Exact date is unknown but Jesus is crucified between 30-36 AD.

Death of Tiberius

37

Tiberius becomes sick while traveling in Campania and was taken to Misenum for treatment but died at the age of 78 on March 6, 37 AD. Caligula takes power at only the age of 25.

Lavish Caligula

37

Caligula constructs a 2-mile floating bridge across the Bay of Bauli. He mounts a horse on top so he could ride on top of it. Once at the end, he got off his horse and returned on a chariot drawn by two horses. He spend two days going back and forth!

Crazy Caligula

37

In October of 37 AD, Caligula becomes extremely ill and his illness causes a great concern throughout the entire empire. Since a child he suffered from epilepsy and this caused him to act violently and irrationally. He now suffered from awful nightmares and inability to sleep. The people now look at Caligula as a dangerous madman!

Caligula's Military Campains

39

In 39 and 40 AD, Caligula leads military campaigns to the Rhine and the English Channel, where many battles take place.

Death of Caligula

41

On January 24, 42 AD Caligula is stabbed 30 times and killed by a group of guardsman, following a sporting event. Claudius comes to power in 41 AD but not truly appointed by the Senate, rather by the army's men.

Claudius Builds Tunnel

41

Claudius builds a 6 km tunnel to drain the Fucine Lake. Fun Fact: 30,00 men dug for 11 years through 3 miles of mountains, and leveled part of a hill to create an outlet for the water!

Conquest of Britian

43

In 43 AD, he undertook a military campaign for the conquest of Britain. It was successful and Britain now became a province of the Roman Empire

Death of Claudius

54

On October 13, Claudius dies in 54 AD and it is believed that he was poisoned to death by his last wife, Agrippina. Nero takes power at only 17 years old.

The Great Fire of Rome

64

The fires raged for 6 days (July 18, 64 AD - July 23, 64 AD) before finally being controlled and people have blamed Nero for the disaster, saying he started the fire so the he could get past the Senate and rebuild Rome.

Nero's Golden House

65

Between 65 - 68 AD, Nero takes the opportunity after the devastating fire to build his own enormous palace, the Domus Aurea).The building hosted many parties and had wonderful architecture - soaring domes, revolving ceilings, beautiful fountains, and even waterfalls running down the walls.

The Corinth Canal

67

Although Nero is seen as a horrific and brutal emperor, he did attempt to begin the process of the Corinth Canal construction (due to his lack of money and his death, the construction stopped).

The Start of Persecutions

67

In 67 AD, the first persecution of the Church takes place under the control of Nero. The causes for the persecutions were most likely because they refused to worship Nero, worship the gods, and/or take place in sacrifice, which was expected of those living in the Roman Empire.

Death of Nero

68

Nero attempts to flee but after realizing that he would be arrested and executed, he takes his own life on June 9, 68 AD. Galba becomes emperor for only 7 months.

Year of the Four Emperors (continued)

69

Vitellius - He is governor of Lower Germany. He organizes a coup and declares himself emperor. Vitellius gains power by defeating Otho in the Battle of Bedriacum
Vespasian - In 72 AD, with public funds he was was able to raise, he begins the construction of the Colosseum

Year of the Four Emperors

69

After Nero's death in 68 AD, 4 different emperor's rise to power within only one year (69 AD): Glaba - He angered many of his troops by withholding pay. He is known for his strictness and his desire to save money. He is killed by the Praetorian Guard after only ruling for 7 months.
Otho - He fights against Vitellius in Italy but is defeated at Cremona on April 14, 69 AD

The Flavian Dynasty

Period: 69 to 96

The ancient Roman imperial dynasty of Vespasian spanning from A.D. 69-96 after the extinction of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty. It was originally started by Vespasian, and included the rule of his sons Titus (79-81) and later Domitian (81-86).

The Year of the Four Emperors

Period: 69 to 69

The Year of the Four Emperors was a year in Roman Empire, 69 AD, in which four emperors all ruled within the time span of one year!
Galba: 68-69 AD
Ortho: 69 AD
Vitellius: 69 AD
Vespasian: 69-79 AD

Titus' Reign

79

Titus ruled in the Flavian Dynasty from AD79-81. He was a clear pick for successor to Vespasian because before Vespasian's death he had demonstrated superior military leadership, particularly in the Judaean campaign of AD70, and shared in virtually every honor with the emperor during the 70sAD such as office of censor; he was a trusted colleague of Vespasian. After his father's death he assumed power on June 24, AD 79. His reign was mostly positive with emphasis on economic measures and reforms.

Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius

79

On August 24, 79 AD, Mt. Vesuvius in Pompeii, Italy erupts wiping out the entire town within 25 hours

Vespasian's Death: Titus assumes power

79

Vespasian died on June 23rd, A.D. 79 at the Aquae Cutiliae near his birthplace in Savine country after contracting a brief illness. Immediately following his death his son Titus assumed full imperial powers as his successor.

Generous Titus (79/80 AD)

79

Titus spent large sums to relieve distress in the area where Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD then contributed a lot from the imperial purse to rebuilding Rome after a devastating fire destroyed large sections of the city in 80 AD. These actions earned Titus a reputation for generosity and geniality.

Completion of the Colosseum

80

In 80 AD Emperor Titus finishes the construction of the Colosseum that was started by Vespasian back in 72 AD.

Domitian's Reign

81

Domitian ruled from 81-96AD during the Flavian Dynasty. Before his reign he was named 6 times to the less prestigious suffect consulship, retained the title of Caesar, and held various preisthoods; he had responsibility but no power. After Titus died he hastened to the praetorian camp and was hailed emperor. But the senate honored the dead emperor before elevating Domitian (he waited an extra day), a sign of his future troubles to come with the aristocracy. His rule was overall criticized.

The Death of Titus

81

Titus died in September of AD 81 after only 26 months in office. He supposedly died on his way to Sabine country of his ancestors in the same villa as his father. There are implications that his brother Domitian had a hand in his death but there is no strong evidence to prove this. In fact, Domitian himself delivered the funeral eulogy and had Titus deified, and had many monuments built in his brother's honor.

Domitian on a Pedestal

85

Late in 85 AD Domitian made himself censor perpetuus, censor for life, with a general supervision of conduct and morals. The move was largely symbolic but still revealed Domitian's obsessive interest in all aspects of Roman life.

Domitian on a Pedestal Part 2

86

An ardent supporter of traditional Roman religion, he also closely identified himself with Minerva and Jupiter, publicly linking the latter divinity to his regime through the Ludi Capitolini, the Capitoline Games, begun in A.D.86. Held every four years in the early summer, the Games consisted of chariot races, athletics and gymnastics, and music, oratory and poetry. Contestants came from many nations, and no expense was spared; the emperor himself awarded the prizes.

Domitian's death; M. Cocceius Nerva assumes power

96

On September 18, AD 96, Domitian was assassinated and succeeded the very same day by M. Cocceius Nerva, a senator and one of his amici. Stephanus, a member of Domitian's imperial staff concealed a dagger in an arm bandage faking an injury. He stabbed Domitian in the groin when close to him then other conspirators came and hacked the emperor to death. Domitian's death was brought on because he made others fear for their lives, just as Stephanus feared he would be killed because of embezzlement.

Marcus Cocceius Nerva's Reign

96

Marcus Cocceius Nerva was the first of the "Five Good Emperors" and ruled from 96-98 AD as the successor to Domitian. He was a good choice because he was a feeble sexagenarian and long-time Flavian supporter with close ties to the unpopular Domitian. Also, he was a capable senator with political connections and negotiation skills, and he had no children, thereby ensuring the state would not become his hereditary possession. He began the practice of adopting his heir rather than a blood relative.

Nerva appoints new leaders

97

In early 97 AD, Nerva appointed a commission of 5 consular senators to give advice on reducing expenditures.

Nerva lands a financial hand

97

In 97 AD, for the urban poor of Italy he granted allotments of land worth 60 million sesterces, and he exempted parents and their children from a 5% inheritance tax. He also made loans to Italian landowners on the condition that they pay interest of 5% to their municipality to support the children of needy families.

Trajan is adopted

97

On October of 97AD Trajan receives news of his adoption by Nerva in a handwritten note shortly after being appointed as governor of Upper Germany by Nerva.

Marcus Cocceius Nerva's Death

98

On January 1, 98AD Nerva suffered a stroke during a private audience and died 3 weeks later at his villa in the Gardens of Sallust. Nerva's reign had prevented anarchy and civil war, and continued the existing political system, offering a bridge for stable rulers to follow. Trajan, his successor, insisted that Nerva's ashes be placed in the mausoleum of Augustus and asked the senate to vote on his deification. Nerva was the right man to rule at the right time and should not be overlooked.

Trajan Assumes Power: Trajan's Reign

98

Trajan ruled 98-117AD. After fighting in Domitian's war against the Germains along Rhine and Danube he was rewarded with a consulship. Then he was a governor when he heard that Emperor Nerva had adopted him as co-ruler and intended successor. So, he assumed power and ruled from 98-117AD after Nova's death in 98AD. His good relations with the senate allowed him to accomplish whatever he wished without opposition. He also expanded individual liberty and introduced curatores and building projects

Trajan battles the Dacians

101

In 101 Trajan leaves Rome to battle the Dacians and quickly defeated them at the Tapae.

Trajan battles the Dacians - War 2

105

In 105 AD Trajan returned to the north to fight the Dacians again. Decebalus, a Dacian, was deserted by his allies and Trajan and the Roman army defeated the king, then continued on to the Dacian capital where their entire treasury was seized and sent back to Rome and Dacia was absorbed into the Empire.

War enters the Eastern Frontier

114

IN 114 AD war came to the eastern frontier. In response Trajan left Rome for the last time (he would never return).

Trajan's Death: Hadrian assumes power

117

Trajan dies in mid 117 as a sick man when he was slowly returning to Italy, having left Hadrian in command in the east, when he died in Selinus of Cilicia on August 9, desiring Hadrian as his successor first. There was no rival to Hadrian linked by blood and marriage to Trajan and now in command of the empire's largest military forces. Hadrian heard on August 11 and became emperor. Among his 1st acts was to give up all of Trajan's eastern conquests and he gave Trajan all customary honors.

Hadrian's Reign

117

Hadrian ruled from 117-138AD and is known as one of The Five Good Emperors. He played a big role in developing foreign policies of the empire and centralizing the administration. He thought consolidation was better than expansion and had a lot of military experience. He was a good public speaker, philosopher, writer, poet, and architect. Overall he was very talented and his application of these talents made him a great leader.

Trajan almost dies

117

After Trajan's army continued eastward in war and annexed Mesopotamia, in 117 AD the Mesopotamians rebelled, forcing Trajan to retreat and during the battle Trajan almost died when an arrow meant for him struck and killed one of his bodygaurds.

Hadrian's Wall

122

Emperor Hadrian constructed Hadrian's wall starting in 122 CE in north Britain. It marked the northern boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain but the length and width of the project suggests that the more important purpose of the wall was a show of Rome's power.

Reconstruction of the Pantheon

125

During Hadrian's rule, he oversaw reconstruction of the Pantheon and finished it in 125 AD. The Pantheon in Rome is still perfectly preserved today.

Jerusalem Takeover: Oppression of the Jews

130

In 130 AD Emperor Hadrian visits Jersusalem and rebuilds the city, renaming it Aelia Capitoline Jupiter Capitolinus after himself and king of the Roman gods. He built a temple of Jupiter on the ruins of the Temple of Solomon, a sacred temple to the Jews. In years following Kokhbah's Revolt happened from 132-136 and many Jews are killed. Hadrian also ordered a public burning of the Torah, executed Jewish scholars, and prohibited the practice and observance of Judaism.

Hadrian's Death: Antoninus Appointed new Emperor

138

Hadrian returned to Rome from Jerusalem with failing health and appointed Antoninus Pius as his successor that would adopt the young Marcus Aurelius to follow. Antoninus had previously been one of Hadrian's consular administrators of Italy and proconsul of Asia. He died in 138 AD possibly of a heart attack at age 62. He was buried first at Puteoli, then the great tomb of Hadrian in Rome.

Antoninus Pius' New Coins

140

In 140 Pius issued a series of unusual coins and medallions which featured entirely new or modified religious and mythological images on them.

Preparation for a New Emperor

145

During Antoninus' ruling, in 145 AD Antoninus' daughter Faustina married Marcus Aurelius in order to set Marcus up for succession to Antoninus.

Antoninus' Death: Marcus Aurelius takes over

161

Antoninus Pius died in March of 161 AD of a fever, supposedly after a meal of Alpine cheese. His power was simply handed over to his adopted son Marcus Aurelius (and other son Lucius Verus), who he had set up previously to be ready for ruling by marrying his daughter with Marcus.

The Germans Invade

168

In 168 AD the Germans invaded across the Danube and Marcus Lucius marched from Rome to meet Marcus Aurelius' army. Marcus Aurelius proved to be a skillful and competent General during this time.

Marcus enters the Eleusinian Mysteries-

175

In 175 AD after journeying to the East, Marcus Aurelius traveled to Athens and was initiated into the Eleusinian mysteries as Hadrian and Verus had been, then returned to Italy.

Marcus Aurelius' Death

180

Marcus Aurelius died on March 17 180AD in the city Vindobona after ruling since the death of Antoninus Pius in 161 due to an illness that he contracted after fighting with Commodus in the North. He was the last of the five emperors.