UNRV Ancient Roman Empire History

Three more entries have been updated in our Roman Writers section… Quintilian Sallust Seneca

The Siege of Alesia, Caesar’s double-walled circumvallation of Vercingetorix and his Gallic army, was one of the most brilliant and spectacular tactics in the history of warfare. Caesar’s victory at Alesia essentially guaranteed total victory in Gaul, and the subjegation of the people for the remainder of the Roman empire.

After taking Avaricum and supplying his legions with badly needed sustenance, Caesar began to move against the main body of Gallic resistance. In the early summer Labienus was sent with 4 legions against the Senones and Parisii, and Caesar pursued Vercingetorix with the 6 remaining legions accompanied by Aedui auxilia and Germanic cavalry. Following the [...]

Roman Slavery was an important part of the ancient world, and it was an integral piece of daily life and the economy. Though slavery was practiced all over the Mediterranean, and was abundant in the east, its impact in other places was not felt nearly as much as it was in Rome and her Empire. [...]

As a result of the Revolt in Gaul, one Gallic chieftan stepped into the forefront of unified resistance to Caesar. Vercingetorix was a young Arverni chieftan who brought the revolt under the command of a single leader, effectively making him the first, and last, King of Gaul.

Roman influence in the near eastern provinces of Judaea and Syria Palaestina first came to major fruition with the conquests of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great). In 64 BC, the Jews had maintained nearly 2 centuries of independent rule from various eastern nations, but internal struggles and succession issues after the death of King [...]

Revolt in Gaul As Caesar returned from his second expedition to Britain in 54 BC, there was already trouble looming in Gaul and in his personal life. He received word that his daughter Julia, wife of Pompey had died in childbirth. This event was assuredly difficult for Caesar on a personal level, but it carried [...]

The North African territory of Cyrenaica, now encompassing modern Libya, was likely originally settled by Berber tribes. The Greeks began to colonize the area in the 7th century BC, establishing cities such as Cyrene which became a bastion of Hellenized culture on the African continent. Phoenicians began to influence Cyrenaica shortly thereafter, through trade and [...]

Battle of Carrhae After receiving word from his scouts about the presence of a Parthian army near Carrhae in 53 BC, Crassus seems to have panicked. His troops were exhausted and poorly prepared for battle after a long and fast march through the Mesopotamian desert. He didn?t allow his men to rest or make camp, [...]

Another addition to the Roman Writers list. Philo Pliny the Elder Pliny the Younger Plutarch Polybius

As Caesar was in the midst of the Gallic Wars, fellow Triumvir, Crassus had his sights set on glory of his own. Crassus and Parthia looks at the ill-fated Roman campaign into the far east.

Another review has been completed for our Roman Books section, thanks to community member Ursus. Not only are relevant items available for further research throughout the site, but our books section includes an ever growing list of Roman related Fiction and Non-Fiction books, Movies and Games. Oxford Classical Dictionary

Second Invasion of Britain …Caesar ordered a massive fleet to be built for a larger second crossing to Britain. This time though, Caesar made modifications to the ships, having them built without the deep keels of standard Roman galleys. This would allow a more effective landing for his legions and cavalry. By July of 54 [...]