The timeline of Ancient Rome spans over a millennium, charting the rise and fall of one of the most influential civilizations in world history. Beginning with the legendary founding of Rome in 753 BCE, the timeline covers the city's transformation from a small settlement to the heart of a vast empire. Initially ruled as a monarchy, Rome transitioned to a republic in 509 BCE, which saw the expansion of Roman territory and the establishment of its republican institutions. The Republic's later years were marked by internal strife, leading to the rise of powerful military leaders like Julius Caesar and the eventual transition to an imperial system under Augustus in 27 BCE.

Over the next several centuries, the Roman Empire expanded its dominance across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. However, the empire eventually became too large to govern effectively, and in 476 CE, the Western Roman Empire collapsed, marking the end of Ancient Rome's dominance in the West. Meanwhile, the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to thrive for another thousand years. This timeline captures the key events, political changes, and cultural achievements that defined Ancient Rome, highlighting its enduring legacy in law, engineering, and governance.

circa 753 BCE- 476 CE

753 BCE – Founding of Rome
According to legend, Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars and the Vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia, founded Rome on April 21, 753 BCE. After a dispute, Romulus killed Remus and became the first king of the city. This mythological founding reflects Rome's early focus on strength and survival.

715 BCE – Reign of Numa Pompilius
Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome, is credited with establishing many of Rome's religious and cultural institutions, including the Vestal Virgins and the Temple of Janus. His reign emphasized peace and governance over warfare.

673 BCE – Reign of Tullus Hostilius
Tullus Hostilius, the third king of Rome, was a warrior king who expanded Rome’s territory through wars with neighboring states. He famously defeated the Alba Longa and incorporated its people into Rome, strengthening its military prowess.

640 BCE – Reign of Ancus Marcius
Ancus Marcius, the fourth king of Rome, is credited with founding the port of Ostia at the mouth of the Tiber River. His reign also saw the expansion of Roman territory and the establishment of the Roman military in newly conquered regions.

509 BCE – Roman Republic Established
The overthrow of King Tarquin the Proud ended the Roman Kingdom and established the Roman Republic. The system of governance featured consuls, elected annually, and a Senate composed of Rome's elite. This period saw early struggles between the patricians and plebeians, leading to the eventual creation of the Tribunes of the Plebs.

494 BCE – First Secession of the Plebs
The plebeians, frustrated by the lack of political power, withdrew to the Mons Sacer in a peaceful protest, effectively creating a separate assembly. This action led to the establishment of the Tribunes of the Plebs, a political office with veto power over legislation that negatively affected the plebeians.

390 BCE – Sack of Rome by the Gauls
The Senones, a Gallic tribe led by Brennus, defeated the Roman army at the Battle of the Allia and subsequently sacked Rome. The event left a lasting psychological impact, prompting major defensive measures like the Servian Wall. The phrase "Vae victis" (woe to the vanquished) is attributed to this event.

312 BCE – Construction of the Via Appia
The Via Appia, Rome’s first major road, was constructed under the guidance of Appius Claudius Caecus. It connected Rome to Capua, facilitating military movements and trade, and later extended to Brundisium, becoming a vital artery of the Republic.

264–146 BCE – Punic Wars
Rome fought three wars against Carthage, culminating in its dominance over the western Mediterranean. The First Punic War secured control of Sicily, the Second Punic War showcased Hannibal's daring but ultimately futile campaign, and the Third Punic War ended with the complete destruction of Carthage in 146 BCE.

133 BCE – Tiberius Gracchus' Reforms
Tiberius Gracchus, a Tribune of the Plebs, proposed agrarian reforms to address wealth inequality and land distribution. His assassination marked the beginning of political violence in the Republic, setting a precedent for future instability.

44 BCE – Assassination of Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar, declared dictator for life after his military conquests, was assassinated on the Ides of March by a group of senators including Brutus and Cassius. The act was motivated by fears of his growing power and the perceived end of the Republic, but it plunged Rome into further chaos and civil war.

42 BCE – Creation of the Second Triumvirate
After the death of Julius Caesar, his supporters, Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus, formed the Second Triumvirate to avenge Caesar’s assassination. The Triumvirs pursued their enemies, eventually defeating Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi.

27 BCE – Roman Empire Established
Octavian, later Augustus, formally transitioned Rome from a republic to an empire after defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. As the first emperor, Augustus implemented widespread reforms, ushering in the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and prosperity lasting over two centuries.

14 CE – Death of Augustus
Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, died in 14 CE after ruling for over four decades. His death marked the end of an era and the beginning of the Julio-Claudian dynasty under his stepson Tiberius.

37 CE – Reign of Caligula
Caligula, the third emperor of Rome, was known for his erratic behavior and cruelty. His reign was marked by extravagance, and his assassination in 41 CE by members of the Praetorian Guard brought an end to his notorious rule.

54 CE – Reign of Nero
Nero, who became emperor at the age of 17, initially began his reign with popularity, but later became infamous for his persecution of Christians and the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE. His reign ended with his forced suicide in 68 CE.

117 CE – Height of the Roman Empire
Under Emperor Trajan, the Roman Empire reached its greatest territorial extent, spanning from Britain to Mesopotamia. Trajan's reign was marked by extensive public works and successful military campaigns, cementing Rome's dominance.

212 CE – Edict of Caracalla
The Edict of Caracalla granted Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants of the empire, thus increasing the number of citizens and integrating more people into the Roman legal system. This move was part of Caracalla's efforts to strengthen imperial control and increase tax revenue.

235 CE – Crisis of the Third Century
The Roman Empire entered a period of instability marked by frequent changes in leadership, invasions by barbarian tribes, economic decline, and internal strife. This crisis lasted until the reign of Aurelian in the late 3rd century.

284 CE – Reign of Diocletian
Diocletian became emperor and is known for his reforms that stabilized the empire. He divided the empire into a Tetrarchy, with four rulers sharing power, and reformed the military and tax systems to ensure the empire's survival in the face of external threats.

312 CE – Battle of the Milvian Bridge
Constantine the Great defeated Maxentius at this decisive battle, securing his position as emperor. Constantine attributed his victory to divine intervention after reportedly seeing a vision of the cross, leading to his endorsement of Christianity.

330 CE – Foundation of Constantinople
Emperor Constantine I officially dedicated the city of Byzantium as Constantinople, making it the new eastern capital of the Roman Empire. This city would later become the capital of the Byzantine Empire after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

395 CE – Division of the Roman Empire
Upon the death of Emperor Theodosius I, the Roman Empire was permanently split into two parts: the Western Roman Empire, with its capital in Rome, and the Eastern Roman Empire, with its capital in Constantinople. This division marked the beginning of the decline of the Western Empire.

476 CE – Fall of the Western Roman Empire
The last Roman emperor of the West, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by the barbarian chieftain Odoacer, effectively marking the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire, continued for nearly another thousand years.