Roman Empire

From Heterodontosaurus Balls

Divide and conquer.
Julius Caesar

The Roman Empire was a very large empire in Europe. He existed from 27 BC to 395 AD. The Roman Empire is usually considered the most important and best empire of all time. At his height, Roman Empire controlled vast territories spanning three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. Very impressive for an empire this old. The Empire's influence extended from the British Isles in the northwest to the deserts of the Middle East, and from the Rhine and Danube rivers in the north to the shores of North Africa.

The Roman Empire is renowned for his remarkable achievements in various fields, including engineering, architecture, law, and governance. Roman engineers built an extensive network of roads, aqueducts, and monumental structures like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, many of which still stand today. The Roman legal system laid the foundation for many modern legal codes, and the concept of Roman citizenship became a unifying element for the diverse peoples within the Empire.

History[edit | edit source]

Julio-Claudian Dynasty[edit | edit source]

For more detail: Julio-Claudian Dynasty

The Julio-Claudian Dynasty was the first dynasty of the Roman Empire. It composed of the first five emperors. The Julio-Claudians started the destruction of republican values, but on the other hand, they boosted Rome's status as the central power in the world. While Caligula and Nero are usually remembered as dysfunctional emperors in popular culture, Augustus and Claudius are remembered as emperors who were successful in politics and the military. This dynasty instituted imperial tradition in Rome and frustrated any attempt to reestablish a Republic.

Augustus became the first Roman emperor in 27 BC. he created the Praetorian Guard and annexed Galatia. He also returned the lost standards (flags) that were lost from a battle, which was seen as very honorable. In 6 AD, a big revolt happened in the province of Pannonia. In AD 9, the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest resulted in a major defeat for Rome by the Germanics.

Tiberius reigned second, between 14 AD and 37 AD. At first, he continued the ruling style of Augustus but later his paranoia increased and he heavily relied on Praetorian Guards.

Caligula reigned third, he was cruel and tyrannical. He declared himself as god and spending lots of money on building giant projects and making irrational decisions. He was assassinated by a Praetorian Guard, making his uncle Claudius the emperor.

Claudius reigned as Roman Emperor from 41 AD to 54 AD. His rule was decent and he conquered Britain in 43 AD. He built roads, canals, and more. But he was assassinated by his wife, Agrippina the Younger because she wanted to ensure her son, Nero’s success.

Nero was very evil. He burned down Rome and blamed it on Christians. Oh how he hated Christians. He persecuted them relentlessly. He executed his wife, his mother, his advisor, and more. A series of revolts broke out against him and Nero was forced into suicide, starting the Year of the Four Emperors civil war.

Year of the Four Emperors[edit | edit source]

The Year of the Four Emperors in 69 AD followed Nero's demise, where there was no chance of return to the old and traditional Roman Republic, thus a new emperor had to rise. A period of civil strife and power struggles. Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian each claimed the imperial title in rapid succession, reflecting the instability that ensued after the fall of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty. Vespasian ultimately emerged victorious, establishing the Flavian Dynasty and bringing some stability back to the empire.

Flavian Dynasty[edit | edit source]

Vespasian's reign marked a return to strong and pragmatic leadership. He initiated significant military reforms, restored the finances of the state through increased taxation and prudent fiscal management, and embarked on ambitious construction projects, including the beginning of the Colosseum's construction. His administration set the groundwork for a more stable and prosperous period in Roman history, continuing through the reigns of his sons, Titus and Domitian, who succeeded him. The Flavian Dynasty thus helped to consolidate and strengthen the empire after the tumultuous events of 69 AD.

Between 66 and 74, there were the first of three major rebellions by the Jews against the Roman Empire fought in Roman-controlled Judaea, resulting in the destruction of Jewish towns, the displacement of its people and the appropriation of land for Roman military use, as well as the destruction of the Jewish Temple and polity. Through these brutal tactics, the emperors of the dynasty held on to complete power and control over the Roman Empire. Domitian, the last of the Flavian emperors, continued this legacy of strong central authority, though his reign would also see increasing autocracy and paranoia, leading to his assassination in 96 AD and the eventual end of the Flavian line.

Nerva-Antonine Dynasty[edit | edit source]

More TBA

Relations[edit | edit source]

Friends[edit | edit source]

  • Han Dynasty - Hey! Thanks for your silks to me and thus trade with me! Best trading partner! And some of my soldiers lived in yuor clay! Although he let Xiongnu come!! I invent real noodle!! And one day I will conquer yuo

Enemies[edit | edit source]

How to draw[edit | edit source]

Vexillum of the Roman Empire
  1. Draw a ball.
  2. Fill it with red.
  3. Draw two olive branches that bend into a circle. In gold.
  4. Write the letters “SPQR” in the circle. In gold.
  5. Add the eyes and you’re done!
  6. Add a Roman soldier helmet (optional)
  7. Make the helmet gold (optional)
Color Name HEX
Red #9F0807
Gold #D7BC52