Roman Empire
“”Divide and conquer.
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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
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
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.
For more detail: Augustus Caesarism
In 27 BC, the Roman Empire began when Octavian, later called
Augustus, was made emperor by the
Roman Senate, ending the
Roman Republic.
Augustus introduced key reforms to stabilize the empire, including reorganizing the army, creating the
Praetorian Guard, and overhauling the tax system. In 25 BC, he expanded the empire by annexing
Galatia in modern-day
Turkey.
Augustus also achieved significant diplomatic and cultural successes. In 20 BC, he secured the return of Roman standards lost in a previous battle, which boosted his reputation. And the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct that brought fresh water to
Rome, was completed in 19 BC.
Augustus enacted laws to promote
traditional family values in 18 BC, and celebrated the Ludi Saeculares in 17 BC to mark a new era. The Ara Pacis was commissioned in 13 BC to celebrate his military victories and the peace he brought. And the Theater of
Marcellus was inaugurated in 12 BC.
A census is conducted in the Roman province of
Judaea under the governance of
Quirinius, which is mentioned in the context of the nativity of
Jesus in the Gospel of
Luke.
In 4 AD,
Augustus formally adopts
Tiberius as his son and heir.
Tiberius is given tribunician power for ten years, preparing him for succession. In AD 6, a major revolt in
Pannonia required extensive military action and was a serious challenge to Roman authority during
Augustus's reign.
In AD 9, the Battle of the
Teutoburg Forest resulted in a major defeat for
Rome. Three Roman legions, led by
Publius Quinctilius Varus, were ambushed and destroyed by
Germanic tribes under the leadership of
Arminius in the
Teutoburg Forest. This disaster significantly halted Roman expansion into
Germania.
Augustus died on 14 AD, and
Tiberius succeeded him.
From 14 AD to 37 AD,
Tiberius reigned as the second Roman Emperor, succeeding
Augustus. His reign was marked by a cautious and conservative approach to governance and military expansion. Initially,
Tiberius continued
Augustus's policies, maintaining the empire's stability and consolidating its territories. However, his later years were characterized by increasing paranoia and reliance on the
Praetorian Guard, particularly its ambitious prefect
Sejanus, leading to political purges and executions.
Tiberius eventually withdrew from active rule, spending his final years on the island of
Capri, leaving much of the administration in the hands of subordinates. His reign, though stable and prosperous in many respects, became infamous for its repressive measures and the growing influence of the
Praetorian Guard. He was succeeded by
Caligula.
Caligula, formally known as Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, reigned as Roman Emperor from 37 AD to 41 AD. Initially, his rule was welcomed with optimism due to his lineage and early popularity. However, his reign quickly descended into tyranny and extravagance.
Caligula is infamous for his erratic behavior, which included declaring himself a god, displaying extreme cruelty, and indulging in lavish spending that drained the Roman treasury. He also undertook grandiose construction projects and made irrational political decisions, such as appointing his horse Incitatus as a priest. His reign ended abruptly when he was assassinated by members of the
Praetorian Guard, leading to his uncle
Claudius being declared emperor.
Relations
Friends
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
Germanic Barbaricum - Filthy, barbaricum immigrants. How dare tu defeat me!
