Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar, one of Ancient Rome’s most famous rulers and important names in the pages of history, was key in the development and growth of what we know today as the Roman Empire. The All About History Book of Julius Caesar will detail everything you need to know about the Roman general, from his personal relationships that caused major controversy, such as with Cleopatra, to the political campaigns that eventually lost him control over the Roman Republic and led to his tragic assassination at the hands of his own kin. It will also guide you through the cultural and political history of Ancient Rome, including how it went from a mighty kingdom to a crumbling republic, how the Roman people lived their lives and the deities they worshipped. From Caesar’s…

Today, Rome is a beautiful tourist attraction more likely to play host to camera-toting travellers than barbarian hordes, but in the ages of the ancient world it was the epicentre of civilisation. The crown jewel of a nation that assumed every form – kingdom, republic and empire – a realm so powerful it changed the face of history forever. In the name of Rome and its ever-changing governments, it redefined the principles and engineering of warfare, revolutionised modern infrastructure and ushered in the beginning of the Middle Ages. And like any great superpower, it carved its borders across the face of the world. From the cold shores of Britannia to the warm sands of Palestine and Egypt, Rome created for itself an empire that was a sight to behold, but…

Rome is founded/Romulus becomes king 753 BCE Once a series of warring tribes and clans, the strongest among them are united underneath the warrior general Romulus. He installs himself as king and forms the very first incarnation of the Senate. The eldest members from the most powerful and influential gen (clans) are chosen, Italy’s deeply patriarchal makeup placing a great deal of importance on the wisdom of its older male members. Around 100 members are chosen by Romulus, and the Senate begins by taking care of the day-to-day running of the kingdom. Together, the very first laws of the land are written and the first standing armies formed. The interim begins 716 BCE Following the apparent “death” of Romulus, by order of the Senate, Rome enters an “interregnum” (a gap).…

Roman Republic established 509 BC Following the overthrow of the monarchy and the exile of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, the Senate establishes a new Republic state. In this new form, two leaders will rule cooperatively as “consuls”, elected for a single year each. With the formation of the Republic, new powers are granted to the Senate and to the Plebeian council, giving the people more power and influence over the laws that govern their home. It is decreed that Rome will never again recognise a king of Rome and subsequently elects Lucius Junius Brutus and Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus as its first joint consuls. Senones sack Rome 390 BCE In 390 BCE, Rome suffers its worst domestic disaster as the Senones reach and sack the city. On what is believed to be…

Roman conquest of Britain 43 CE Prior to emperor Claudius’ campaign to conquer Britannia once and for all, the Romans have enjoyed a relatively healthy trading relationship with the tribes of Britain since Julius Caesar’s first settlements in 55 BCE. However, the Catuvellauni have taken over from the Trinovantes as the most powerful kingdom in south-eastern Britain. The Catuvellauni begin encroaching on the land of the Roman loyal Atrebates, forcing Rome to send troops to pacify Britannia once and for all. The campaign eventually takes the Romans through England and into Scotland. Diocletian established the Tetrarchy 293 CE Following almost 50 year of chaos, civil war and divided states, the politician Diocletian is recognised as emperor by the Senate and establishes a new form of governance – the Tetrarchy. Alongside…

The Roman Kingdom, Republic and Empire were very powerful so it’s no surprise to see the imprint of that nation today. From language to infrastructure, the Roman Empire was a state far ahead of its time, with even the regressive years of the Dark Ages failing to eliminate its mark. Latin, the official language of the Empire, didn’t die with the realm but instead flourished. It was adopted as the official language of the Catholic Church and became the ipso facto language of the sciences. It can be found in English, German, Dutch and many other modern dialects. Our calendars owe their structure and style to the Romans – the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar, made the year 365 days long and divided it into 12 months. It was…