The Roman Empire
A timeline of the Roman Empire from Augustus to the fall of the West — the Pax Romana, the rise of Christianity, and the empire's division and decline.
Augustus establishes the Principate
Augustus maintains republican forms while concentrating real power in his hands — creating a political system that will endure for centuries.
Birth of Jesus of Nazareth
Jesus is born in Roman-controlled Judea — the beginning of a movement that will transform the empire and the world.
Crucifixion of Jesus and birth of Christianity
Jesus is executed by Roman authorities. His followers proclaim his resurrection, founding a movement that will become the world's largest religion.
Paul's missionary journeys
Paul of Tarsus travels across the eastern Mediterranean, establishing Christian communities and opening the faith to non-Jews.
Eruption of Vesuvius destroys Pompeii
The volcanic eruption buries Pompeii and Herculaneum, preserving an extraordinary snapshot of Roman daily life.
Roman Empire reaches maximum extent under Trajan
Under Emperor Trajan, the empire spans from Britain to Mesopotamia — approximately 5 million square kilometers.
Pantheon completed in Rome
Hadrian completes the Pantheon — its unreinforced concrete dome remains the world's largest and has stood for nearly 1,900 years.
Death of Marcus Aurelius — end of the Pax Romana
The death of the philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius marks the traditional end of the Pax Romana and the beginning of the empire's long decline.
Crisis of the Third Century
Over fifty claimants to the throne in fifty years. The empire nearly fragments into separate states.
Diocletian's reforms
Diocletian stabilizes the empire through administrative reforms, dividing it into Eastern and Western halves with co-emperors.
Edict of Milan — Christianity legalized
Constantine and Licinius proclaim religious tolerance, ending the persecution of Christians and transforming the empire's religious landscape.
Constantinople founded
Constantine establishes a 'New Rome' at Byzantium, shifting the empire's center of gravity eastward.
Christianity becomes the state religion
Emperor Theodosius makes Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire, completing its transformation from persecuted sect to dominant faith.
Visigoths sack Rome
Alaric's Visigoths capture and plunder Rome — the first time the city has fallen to an enemy in 800 years. Shockwaves ripple across the empire.
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
The Germanic chieftain Odoacer deposes Romulus Augustulus, the last Western emperor. The Eastern Empire continues for another millennium.