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 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

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.

Augustus’ Reign

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.

Tiberius’ Reign

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’s Reign

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.

Claudius’ Reign

Claudius reigned as Roman Emperor from 41 AD to 54 AD, ascending to power after the assassination of Caligula. Despite initial skepticism due to his perceived weaknesses, Claudius proved to be an effective ruler. He expanded the Roman Empire significantly, most notably through the conquest of Britain in 43 AD. His administration focused on public works, including the construction of aqueducts, roads, and canals. Claudius also reformed the judicial system and extended Roman citizenship to several provinces. His reign was marked by both successes and challenges, including court intrigues and plots against his life, culminating in his death, widely believed to have been orchestrated by his wife Agrippina the Younger to ensure her son Nero's succession.

Nero’s Reign

Nero was an abomination of hell. He reigned as Roman Emperor from 54 AD to 68 AD, ascending to power at the age of 17 after the death of his adoptive father, Claudius, allegedly orchestrated by Nero’s mother, Agrippina the Younger. His early reign was marked by competent administration and guidance from his advisors, including Seneca and Burrus. However, Nero soon became infamous for his extravagant, tyrannical, and increasingly erratic behavior. Notable events during his reign include the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, which he controversially blamed on Christians, leading to severe persecutions. His reign saw excessive spending on personal luxuries, grand architectural projects like the Domus Aurea, and cultural patronage, especially in the arts and theater. His later years were marked by political purges, including the murders of his mother Agrippina, his first wife Octavia, and his advisor Seneca. Growing discontent and a series of revolts, including the revolt of Vindex and the eventual declaration of Galba as emperor, culminated in Nero's forced suicide in 68 AD, ending the Julio-Claudian dynasty and plunging Rome into a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors.

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