70 BCE

During this year, the consulship of Pompeius and Crassus marked a turning point in Roman politics, as they reversed several of Sulla’s constitutional reforms. Powers of the tribunate were restored, and equestrians were once again permitted to serve as jurors, reshaping the balance of authority between the Senate and the people.

In the 70s BC, the 1st century BC.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • The office of censor is reinstated.source
  • Phraates III becomes the king of Parthia.source

Conflict & Security

  • Lucullus captures Sinop, then invades Armenia.source

Crime & Justice

  • August – In Rome, Cicero prosecutes former governor Verres; Verres exiles himself to Marseille before the trial is over.source

Births

  • October 15 – Virgil, Roman poet (died 19 BC)source
  • Cleopatra VII, queen of Egypt (died 30 BC)source
  • Gaius Maecenas, Roman politician (died 8 BC)source
  • Crinagoras, Greek epigrammatist (died 18 BC)source

Deaths

  • Mithridates I, king of Commagenesource
  • Sanatruces (or Sanatruk), king of Parthiasource