The transformation of Rome from a small city-state to a Mediterranean superpower spanning eight centuries, encompassing political innovation, cultural synthesis, and eventual imperial collapse.
Chronological Storyline (57 Milestones)
Apr 21, 753 BCE
Founding of Rome
Legendary founding by Romulus and Remus; archaeological evidence shows Iron Age settlements on Palatine Hill by this period. Traditional date marks beginning of Roman chronology. #foundation #mythology #politics
Capitoline she-wolf (Latin Lupa Capitolina), a bronze figure showing Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of the city of Rome By Rabax63 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69187000
509 BCE
Roman Republic Established
Overthrow of Tarquin the Proud, Rome's last king. Establishment of res publica with consuls, Senate, and popular assemblies creating framework for republican governance. #politics #revolution #government
Territory of the Roman republic in 44 BC. Map based on territory depicted in Hammond's 8 x 11 Map of Roman Dominions 44 BC (1906). Coastlines from the Ancient World Mapping Center shape files. Map tiles from Consortium of Ancient World Mappers. Both are released under CC-BY 4.0. The projection is Europe Equidistant Conic (ESRI:102031). Contra Hammond, Cyprus is excluded from the map per Goldsworthy Caesar (2006) p 444, citing Dio 42.35.5, noting that Cyprus was returned to the Ptolemaic kingdom after Caesar's intervention in Alexandria. By Ifly6 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=155519121
450 BCE
Twelve Tables Published
First codification of Roman law displayed in Forum; fundamental step from customary to written law, influencing later civil law traditions across Europe. #law #government #culture
SPQR banner, emblem of the Roman Republic. By Ssolbergj - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2992630
396 BCE
Veii Conquered
Ten-year siege ends with capture of Etruscan city Veii by Camillus. First major expansion beyond Tiber, doubling Roman territory and demonstrating military persistence. #conquest #war #expansion
Capture of Veii, c. 396 BC, created in 1785 (S. D. Mirys, Figures de l'histoire de la république romaine...) By Silvestre David Mirys - Figures de l'histoire de la république romaine accompagnées d'un précis historique ou Tableau philosophique et politique de l'origine des progrès et de la décadence de la liberté chez les romains... / d'après les dessins de S. D. Mirys... Paris, 1799., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=171473225
390 BCE
Gallic Sack of Rome
Brennus and Senones Gauls defeat Romans at Allia, sack city except Capitoline Hill. Trauma shapes defensive mentality and military reform for centuries. #disaster #war #defence
Gallic Sack of Rome By Unknown author, CC SA 1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=225763
264 BCE
First Punic War Begins
Rome and Carthage clash for Sicilian control. Conflict transforms Rome into naval power with corvus boarding bridge innovation, establishing Mediterranean ambitions. #war #navy #expansion
Map of the western Mediterranean Sea in 264 BC, focusing on the states involved in the First Punic War. By Harrias - This file was derived from: First Punic War 264 BC v2.png Changes: Adjusted Carthaginian territory in Corsica and Sardinia. Information from: Muir, Ramsay; Treharne R. F.; Fullard, Harold (1969). Muir's Historical Atlas. London: George Philip and Son. OCLC 1090019533 p. 11, map B., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=93911131
241 BCE
First Punic War Ends
Victory brings Sicily as first province; Rome acquires overseas territory and annual tribute system, shifting from Italian power to maritime empire. #war #politics #expansion
218 BCE
Hannibal Crosses Alps
Carthaginian general leads army with elephants over Alps into Italy, winning Trebia and Trasimene. Greatest strategic threat to Roman survival in Republic's history. #war #strategy #conquest
A glass plate photograph of the marble bust of Hannibal Barca. The bust of the Carthaginian general was discovered in the Italian city of Capua in 1667. The Roman era bust was made between the 1st century BC and 4 century AD (I sec.a.C.- IV sec. d.C.). It is preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. The photograph was taken by Fratelli Alinari in the National Archaeological Museum, Naples, Italy, circa 1900. By Fratelli Alinari - Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/europe/comments/d0szfs/a_marble_bust_of_hannibal_𐤇𐤍𐤁𐤏𐤋_originally_found/ . The original photograph source = alinari.it, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=143554037
202 BCE
Battle of Zama
Scipio Africanus defeats Hannibal in North Africa, ending Second Punic War. Rome becomes undisputed Mediterranean hegemon; Carthage reduced to client state. #war #victory #politics
146 BCE
Destruction of Carthage
Third Punic War ends with Scipio Aemilianus razing city, salting fields per legend. Africa becomes province; Rome eliminates greatest rival utterly. #war #conquest #destruction
A map of the key locations and features in the city of Carthage around 149 BC, when the city was besieged by the Romans during the Third Punic War. By Harrias - Own work, loosely based on Goldsworthy, Adrian (2006). The Fall of Carthage: The Punic Wars 265–146 BC. London: Phoenix. ISBN 978-0-304-36642-2, p. 342; and Miles, Richard (2011). Carthage Must be Destroyed. London: Penguin. ISBN 978-0-141-01809-6, p. 2., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95555913
133 BCE
Tiberius Gracchus Killed
Tribune's agrarian reforms to redistribute public land provoke senatorial violence. First bloodshed in Roman political disputes since monarchy, presaging century of civil strife. #politics #reform #violence
the Gracchi, half-length group By Jean-Baptiste Claude Eugène Guillaume - https://archive.org/stream/appreciationofsc00sturuoft#page/146/mode/2up, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=128512744
107 BCE
Marius Reforms Army
Consul Marius professionalizes legions, recruiting landless citizens; soldiers loyal to generals not state. Military transformation enables later warlordism and civil wars. #military #reform #politics
Obverse of RRC 326/1, a silver denarius by Gaius Fundanius in 101 BC depicting Gaius Marius as triumphator on quadriga By American Numismatic Society - http://numismatics.org/collection/1937.158.51, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=139220239
73 BCE
Spartacus Revolt
Thracian gladiator leads massive slave uprising through Italy; Crassus finally defeats rebels on Appian Way. Largest slave revolt in Roman history exposes systemic vulnerability. #rebellion #slavery #war
Spartacus Revolt By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=621372
Bust of Julius Caesar. A member of the triumvirate. By Gautier Poupeau from Paris, France - César, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35036729
Jan 10, 49 BCE
Caesar Crosses Rubicon
Julius Caesar defies Senate with army, initiating civil war against Pompey. Famous alea iacta est ('the die is cast') marks point of no return for republic. #war #politics #revolution
Map of the Roman Republic's empire and vassal states, 1st century BC. All labels in Latin. Legend in English. By User:Historicair, Ifly6 - Own work based on: Map of the Ancient Rome at Caesar time (with conquests)-fr.svg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=117478098
Mar 15, 44 BCE
Caesar Assassinated
Conspirators led by Brutus and Cassius stab dictator in Pompey's theater. Liberatores fail to restore republic; instead trigger second round of civil wars. #assassination #politics #tragedy
http://www.teeuwisse.de/catalogues/selected-drawings-ii/the-assassination-of-julius-caesar.html By Vincenzo Camuccini - Own work, user:Rlbberlin, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=145037989
Sep 2, 31 BCE
Battle of Actium
Octavian defeats Antony and Cleopatra's combined forces off western Greece. Final war of Roman Republic; sole rule becomes inevitable. #war #navy #politics
Battle of Actium By Mark Landon - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=125313661
Jan 16, 27 BCE
Augustus Becomes Princeps
Octavian receives title Augustus from Senate; principate established with constitutional facade masking monarchical reality. Pax Romana begins. #politics #empire #government
Augustus of Prima Porta By Justin Benttinen - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=164710011
12 BCE
Augustus Becomes Pontifex Maximus
Emperor assumes supreme religious authority, consolidating church and state. Religious reform program restores traditional cults, building temples across empire. #religion #politics #culture
August Labicana Massimo By Marie-Lan Nguyen - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1233324
9 CE
Teutoburg Disaster
Arminius ambushes Varus in German forests; three legions annihilated. Augustus abandons Elbe frontier; Rhine becomes permanent German border. #disaster #war #defeat
Epitaph of Centurios Marcus Caelius and his released, who died in the Battle of Varus. CIL XIII 8648 = AE 1952, 181 = AE 1953, 222 = AE 1955, 34 By Agnete - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7649833
43 CE
Claudius Invades Britain
Emperor personally oversees conquest of southern Britain; Camulodunum founded as colony. First significant expansion since Augustus, adding mineral-rich territory. #conquest #war #expansion
Campaigns in the Roman Conquest of Britain, 43 — 84 By my work - Based on Frere's Britannia, Jones' & Mattingly's Atlas of Roman Britain, and The Agricola by Tacitus — sources are cited in the image legend The topographical map is from a sub-region of File:Uk topo en.jpg, with the copyright notice {{Bild-GFDL-GMT|migration=relicense}} and original date of 7 July 2006, copy made in 2008, with the annotations removed by myself., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11357164
Jul 1, 64 CE
Great Fire of Rome
Conflagration burns for six days, destroying much of city. Nero's alleged fiddling and persecution of Christians follows; urban planning revolution initiated. #disaster #fire #urbanism
Great Fire of Rome By Hubert Robert - http://www.kunst-fuer-alle.de/index.php?mid=77&lid=1&blink=76&stext=caesar&cmstitle=Bilder,-Kunstdrucke,-Poster:-Caesar&start=80, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6606073
70 CE
Jerusalem Temple Destroyed
Titus captures and destroys Second Temple; Jewish diaspora accelerates. Arch of Titus commemorates victory; Judea becomes province with legionary garrison. #war #religion #conquest
Jerusalem Temple Destroyed By Didier Descouens - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=132796743
Aug 24, 79 CE
Vesuvius Erupts
Pliny the Elder dies observing eruption that buries Pompeii, Herculaneum, Stabiae. Extraordinary archaeological preservation creates unparalleled Roman time capsule. #disaster #volcano #archaeology
The restored version of John Martin's Destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum By John Martin - http://greatbritishartdebate.tate.org.uk/the-reconstruction-of-pompeii-and-herculaneum/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16665041
97 CE
Gan Ying's failed mission to Daqin
Chinese general Ban Chao dispatches envoy Gan Ying westward to reach the Roman Empire ('Daqin'). Gan Ying travels through Parthia to the Persian Gulf but turns back, deterred by sailors' exaggerated tales of the long and dangerous sea voyage. His report remains China's most detailed pre-Roman contact account of the Mediterranean world. #diplomacy #exploration #history
Silk road on a globe with modern-day borders, centred on Kazakhstan By User:Kelvin Case User:Turkish Flame User:SmallJarsWithGreenLabels - File:Kazakhstan (orthographic projection).svg overlaid with vectorised (by my own work) path taken from this bitmap image, per the request of user:CactiStaccingCrane, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=132527200
98 CE
Trajan Becomes Emperor
Adopted by Nerva, Trajan inaugurates era of 'good emperors'; empire reaches maximum territorial extent under his rule, including Dacian conquests. #politics #empire #expansion
Head of Trajan (reign 98–117 CE), from an oversized statue (around 2.70 m height). By Unknown artist - User:Bibi Saint-Pol, own work, 2007-02-08, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1954815
106 CE
Dacia Conquered
Trajan defeats Decebalus, annexing gold-rich Dacia across Danube. Column depicts campaign; vast wealth from mines funds imperial projects including Forum and markets. #conquest #war #economy
Image of Victoria, separating the two Dacian Wars on Trajan's Column. By Carole Raddato - https://www.flickr.com/photos/41523983@N08/51985759813/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=173089165
117 CE
Hadrian Becomes Emperor
Successor abandons Mesopotamia, Armenia, Assyria; consolidates defensible borders. Hadrian's Wall in Britain and travels throughout provinces mark defensive imperial policy. #politics #defence #empire
en:Munich, Germany: en:Staatliche Sammlung für Ägyptische Kunst, head of Emperor en:Hadrian, en:marble, time of Emperor Hadrian, about 130 AD By Djehouty - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=85310985
120 CE
Possibly earlier Roman traders in China
Chinese court records mention an embassy from 'Daqin' arriving during the reign of Emperor An of Han, preceding the better-documented 166 CE mission. Scholars debate whether this represents genuine Roman contact, Parthian intermediaries posing as Romans, or private merchants claiming official status to facilitate trade. #trade #history #diplomacy
Eastern Hemisphere in 050 AD. By Thomas Lessman (Contact!) - Own work (For reference information, see the Map Source References section below.), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4019603
132 CE
Bar Kokhba Revolt
Simon bar Kokhba leads major Jewish uprising in Judea; Hadrian suppresses with massive force. Jerusalem rebuilt as Aelia Capitolina; Jews expelled from area. #war #rebellion #religion
בר כוכבא במנורת הכנסת By Tamar HaYardeni - Own work by the original uploader, Attribution, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62597299
161 CE
Marcus Aurelius Becomes Emperor
Stoic philosopher-emperor begins reign with Lucius Verus; Meditations composed during Danubian campaigns. Last of 'Five Good Emperors' by adoption system. #philosophy #politics #culture
Marble bust of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Musée Saint-Raymond, Toulouse, France By Daniel Martin - Photothèque du musée Saint-Raymond, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97131451
165 CE
Antonine Plague Begins
Galen describes devastating pandemic, likely smallpox, brought from Parthian campaign. Millions perish across empire; military recruitment and economy severely strained. #disease #disaster #medicine
The Roman Empire during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. His annexation of lands of the Marcomanni and the Jazyges - perhaps to be provincially called Marcomannia and Sarmatia - was cut short in 175 by the revolt of Avidius Cassius and in 180 by his death. The light pink territory to the east is Roman dependencies - the Kingdoms of Armenia, Colchis, Iberia, and Albania. By Tataryn77 - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14590277
166 CE
First Roman embassy to China
A group claiming to represent Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius arrives at the Han court, possibly via sea route through the Indian Ocean. Chinese sources record their arrival at the commandery of Rinan, bearing gifts of ivory, rhinoceros horn, and tortoiseshell. Though likely private merchants rather than official diplomats, the event marks the first direct contact recorded between the two great empires of antiquity. #diplomacy #trade #exploration
180 CE
Commodus Becomes Emperor
Marcus Aurelius' natural son ends adoptive system; reign of cruelty and gladiatorial obsession follows. Assassination in 192 opens Year of Five Emperors. #politics #decline #violence
Commodo vestito da Ercole ai Musei Capitolini By Merulana - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126443879
212 CE
Constitutio Antoniniana
Caracalla extends Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants of empire. Massive expansion of civitas transforms legal and fiscal landscape, primarily for tax purposes. #law #politics #reform
215 papyrus containing fragments of the Constitutio Antoniniana. By Unknown author - http://bibd.uni-giessen.de/papyri/images/pgiss-inv015recto-1600kb.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=173311733
226 CE
Roman merchant embassy to Eastern Wu
A Roman merchant named Qin Lun arrives at the court of Sun Quan in Eastern Wu, presenting tribute. This later contact demonstrates continued, if sporadic, maritime connections between the Roman Mediterranean and Chinese kingdoms during the Three Kingdoms period, following the collapse of unified Han rule. #trade #diplomacy #history
235 CE
Crisis of Third Century Begins
Severus Alexander murdered; fifty years of military anarchy, plague, invasion, and economic collapse. Empire nearly disintegrates under pressures from all directions. #crisis #politics #war
Map of the Roman Empire around the year of the consulship of Aurelianus and Bassus (271 AD), with the break away Gallic Empire in the West and the Palmyrene Empire in the East. By Blank map of South Europe and North Africa.svg: historicair 23:27, 8 August 2007 (UTC) - Blank map of South Europe and North Africa.svg Romanworld271AD.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6044672
250 CE
Decian Persecution
Emperor Decius requires universal sacrifice to Roman gods; first systematic empire-wide persecution of Christians. Many apostasize; martyrs venerated by surviving church. #religion #persecution #politics
Byzantine fresco with Saint Mercurius. Фреска с византийским св. Меркурием. Охрид, Македония By Unknown author - [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3887212
260 CE
Valerian Captured by Persians
Emperor taken prisoner by Shapur I at Edessa; unprecedented humiliation. Gallienus rules alone as empire fragments into Gallic and Palmyrene breakaway states. #defeat #war #humiliation
Retrat de l’emperador Valerià (253–260 dC). By Marie-Lan Nguyen - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86224617
274 CE
Aurelian Reunites Empire
Emperor defeats Palmyrene and Gallic breakaway states, restores imperial unity. Builds walls around Rome; promotes Sol Invictus cult as unifying religious focus. #politics #reunification #war
Aureus of Aurelian, Milan mint By CNG - https://auctions.cngcoins.com/lots/view/4-71VKCN/aurelian-ad-270-275-av-aureus-21mm-440-g-12h-mediolanum-milan-mint-3rd-emission-autumn-ad-271-autumn-272-ef, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=193199188
Diocletian, 284-305, from Nikomedia, Izmit, end 3rd century AD. By Dosseman - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=187730312
284 CE
Another Roman embassy to Jin China
Chinese chronicles record another embassy from 'Daqin' during the reign of Emperor Wu of Jin, bearing tribute. This mission occurs during the Tetrarchy period in Rome, suggesting that despite internal administrative division, Roman interest in eastern trade and diplomatic contact with China persisted into the late empire. #diplomacy #trade #history
303 CE
Great Persecution Begins
Diocletian's edicts destroy churches, burn scriptures, remove Christian civil rights. Most severe anti-Christian persecution; ends with Galerius' edict of toleration 311. #religion #persecution #politics
St. Erasmus flogged in the presence of Emperor Diocletian. Byzantine artwork, from the crypt of the church of Santa Maria in Via Lata in Rome. By Unknown author - Marie-Lan Nguyen (2006), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1715184
Oct 28, 312 CE
Constantine's Vision at Milvian Bridge
Before defeating Maxentius, Constantine sees chi-rho symbol with 'in this sign conquer.' Later Christian tradition interprets as conversion moment; Edict of Milan follows. #religion #war #politics
The Battle of Milvian Bridge By Giulio Romano - Vatican City, Apostolic Palace, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12369258
313 CE
Edict of Milan
Constantine and Licinius grant toleration to all religions, restoring Christian property. Christianity gains legal status; path to state religion begins. #religion #law #politics
MuseiVaticani |Unknown |Colossal head of Emperor Constantine. Marble, Roman artwork, 4th century CE. |Unspecified |Unspecified |Inv. 1749 |Museo Chiaramonti |Jastrow (2006) }} {{fr|Tête colossale de l'empereur By Marie-Lan Nguyen - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1301576
324 CE
Constantine Founds Constantinople
New Rome established on Byzantium site; dedicated 330. Strategic eastern capital with Christian symbolism becomes center of Eastern Roman Empire for millennium. #urbanism #politics #religion
Topographical map of Constantinople during the Byzantine period. By Cplakidas - Own work using: Main map source: R. Janin, Constantinople Byzantine. Developpement urbain et repertoire topographique Road network and some other details based on Dumbarton Oaks Papers 54 Data on many churches, especially unidentified ones, taken from the New York University's The Byzantine Churches of Istanbul project Other published maps and accounts of the city have been used for corroboration., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5084599
325 CE
First Council of Nicaea
Constantine convenes bishops to address Arian controversy; Nicene Creed formulated. First ecumenical council establishes imperial involvement in Christian doctrine. #religion #theology #politics
The First Council of Nicea by Michael Damaskinos (1591). From Vronitissiou monastery, now housed in Agia Collection, Heraklion By C messier - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40447863
330 CE
Constantinople Dedicated
Nova Roma officially becomes imperial capital. Senate, hippodrome, and imperial palace replicate Rome; Christian churches distinguish new foundation. #urbanism #politics #religion
361 CE
Julian 'the Apostate' Rules
Last non-Christian emperor attempts to restore paganism, curb Christianity. Philosophical education and administrative competence; killed in Persian campaign after brief reign. #religion #politics #philosophy
Julian II. AD 360-363. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.46 g, 5h). Antioch mint, 2nd officina. Struck AD 361-363. FL CL IVLIA NVS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VIRTVS EXERCI TVS ROMANORVM, soldier advancing right, head left, holding trophy and dragging bound captive; ANTB. RIC VIII 199; Depeyrot 15/2; Biaggi 2221 var. (officina); Mazzini 79 var. (same). Underlying luster, some graffiti on reverse. Good VF. By Classical Numismatic Group - https://auctions.cngcoins.com/lots/view/4-7O8EC/julian-ii-ad-360-363-av-solidus-22mm-446-g-5h-antioch-mint-2nd-officina-struck-ad-361-363, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116198216
Aug 9, 378 CE
Adrianople Disaster
Visigoths destroy Valens' army, kill emperor. Worst Roman defeat since Cannae; demonstrated cavalry supremacy and barbarian military threat to empire's survival. #defeat #war #disaster
Battle of Adrianople 378 AD (svg, english text) By Bitva_u_Adrianopole.gif: Elias84 derivative work: Dipa_1965 (talk) - Bitva_u_Adrianopole.gif, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10962540
380 CE
Theodosius Declares Christianity State Religion
Edict of Thessalonica establishes Nicene Christianity as official imperial religion. Pagan cults gradually suppressed; Christianization of empire becomes state policy. #religion #law #politics
395 CE
Empire Divided Permanently
Theodosius I dies; sons Arcadius and Honorius split empire into eastern and western halves. Administrative division becomes permanent political reality. #politics #division #government
Bust of Theodisus I. Founded in Aphrodisias. (Aydın, Turkey) By www.livius.org - https://www.livius.org/pictures/turkey/aphrodisias/aphrodisias-museum-pieces/theodosius-i-or-ii/, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92452046
Aug 24, 410 CE
Visigoths Sack Rome
Alaric captures and plunders city for three days. Shock waves across empire; Augustine begins City of God in response; symbolic end of Roman invincibility. #disaster #war #invasion
Painting by Joseph-Noel Silvestre "The Plunder of Rome" By Joseph-Noël Sylvestre - Das Königreich der Vandalen, ed. Klaus Hattler (Mainz: Philipp von Zabern, 2009), p. 418. scan and upload: James Steakley, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10604542
430 CE
Augustine Dies During Vandal Siege
Bishop of Hippo dies as Vandals besiege North African city. Confessions and City of God become foundational Christian texts; profoundly influences Western theology. #religion #philosophy #literature
Augustine Dies During Vandal Siege By Philippe de Champaigne - Los Angeles County Museum of Art: online database: entry 171584, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8481227
452 CE
Attila Turns Back from Italy
Pope Leo I meets Hunnic king near Mantua; Attila withdraws, reasons disputed. 'Scourge of God' dies following year; Hunnic threat to West dissipates. #diplomacy #war #religion
Illuminated Chronicle (Page 13) - King Attila King Attila as the first Hungarian king in the Illuminated Chronicle. He is shown wearing a crown, holding a sabre in his right hand and an orb in his left. The warrior king who "makes nations flee". By Márk Kálti, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=168911108
Jun 1, 455 CE
Vandals Sack Rome
Genseric's Vandals plunder Rome for fourteen days with systematic thoroughness. Term 'vandalism' originates; Western imperial prestige collapses further. #disaster #war #invasion
Vandals Sack Rome By Karl Bryullov - Unknown source, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19262708
476 CE
Romulus Augustulus Deposed
Odoacer deposes last Western emperor; sends imperial regalia to Constantinople. Traditional date for fall of Western Roman Empire; Italy under barbarian rule. #politics #end #empire
Animated map of the Roman Republic and Empire. Displayed in the map: Roman republic 510BC-40BC Roman Empire AD20-AD360 Eastern Roman Empire AD405-AD1453 Western Roman Empire AD405-AD480 Years shown: 510BC, 320BC, 300BC, 270BC, 220BC, 190BC, 140BC, 70BC, 40BC, AD20, AD70, AD140, AD230, AD300, AD360, AD405, AD420, AD450, AD480, AD530. By Roke (d) - Background map based on Image:BlankMap-Europe-v3.png Data from: Colin McEvedy, Penguin Atlas of Ancient History John Haywood, Atlas of Past Times DK Atlas of world history detailed Roman empire Expansion map at Uni of Texas See also maps at external links, four stage animated map of the roman empire[dead link], more detailed animated map of roman empire, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=844877
