UNRV Ancient Roman Empire History

The beginning of the Gallic Wars of Julius Caesar was precipitated by the migrations of the Celtic Helvetti. Attempts to resettle from modern day Switzerland to the western coast of Gaul gave Caesar the excuse he needed to go to war, beginning the conquest of the entire Gallic province.

The great and highly advanced waterway system known as the Roman Aqueducts, are among the greatest achievements in the ancient world. The running water, indoor plumbing and sewer system carrying away disease from the population within the Empire wasn?t surpassed in capability until very modern times. The Aqueducts, being the most visible and glorious piece [...]

Gallic Wars Julius Caesar took official command of his provinces of Illyricum, Cisalpine Gaul and Transalpine Gaul in 59 BC. His original desire was likely to pursue glory against the further reaches of Illyricum and Dacia, but events in his new provinces soon changed the plan. In Gallia Narbonensis, the stretch of southern France connecting [...]

Continuing the Roman Writer section… Aulus Gellius Herodian Horace Josephus Julian the Apostate

The First Triumvirate was a private and completely unofficial agreement between Caesar, Crassus and Pompey in order to establish enough mutual support to enact their political agendas. This coalition included far more than the 3 men, but its ability to make a difference required these main players to work together for mutual benefit…

As a continuing part of the continuing Roman Economy section, Trade Goods has another addition. Roman Glass discusses the uses and historical detail of the commodity in the Roman world.

Just as Caesar was finishing his term as urban praetor, and Pompey was returning from the east, the home of the Pontifex Maximus was rocked by the Clodius Scandal

More updates to the Roman Writers section have been added. Dio Cassius Diodorus Siculus Eusebius Frontinus Galen

This chapter Caesar’s Advancement and Conspiracy, follows Caesar on his political journey up the Cursus Honorum. This part of his career begins with his election as Pontifex Maximus, a look at his involvement in the Cataline Conspiracy and his election as urban praetor.

The Roman Timeline 3rd Century AD covers the turbulent period between 200 and 300 AD. Beginning somewhat stable under Severus, this century in Roman History, broke down into a long series of military emperors, rebellions and enemy invasions. Near the end of the century it finally begins to stabilize under Diocletion, setting the stage for [...]

Caesar returned to Rome in 73 BC as a member of the college of Pontiffs and immediately began working on his political career. He lived well beyond his means, and started down a course of extravagance, both for political gain and personal pleasure. From expensive slaves to collectible arts, Caesar spared no expense in creating [...]

After Sulla pardoned Caesar, he still thought it a wise idea to avoid potentially falling back into disfavor. Caesar, at 20 years old, left Rome for Asia in 80 BC. He next joined the staff of the Asian governor, Praetor Marcus Minucius Thermus, and got an advance start on his military and political career. While [...]

As part of the Literature section, we’ve begun adding information regarding Roman Writers.. These pages, for now, are really reference points to find available works by the various authors, but may be updated into full biographies in the future. Listed so far: Ammianus Marcellinus Appian Arrian Caesar Cato the Elder Catullus Cicero In addition, we [...]