Conflict & Security in the 1st century BC

251 sourced entries, 98 BCE to 1 BCE, oldest first. Also see Conflict & Security across every century or everything else in the 1st century BC.

98 BCEEmperor Wu of Han sends the Han general Gongsun Ao on a mission to rescue general Li Ling from Xiongnu captivity. Gongsun achieves little but receives incorrect information that Li has been training Xiongnu soldiers. Enraged, Emperor Wu exterminates Li's clan.source
97 BCEL. Domitius takes harsh measures to restore order in Sicily.source
97 BCEThe Romans subdue the Maedi and Dardani.source
97 BCESujin becomes emperor of Japan (approximate date).source
95 BCEPhilip I Philadelphus and Antiochus XI Ephiphanes succeeded as co-rulers after the deposition of Seleucus VI Epiphanes.source
94 BCEThe Shakas start to control northwest India.source
93 BCEEnd of era Taishi of Emperor Wu of Han China.source
92 BCESulla repulses Tigranes of Armenia from Cappadocia.source
91 BCESeptember - The Xiongnu invade the prefectures of Shanggu and Wuyuan.source
91 BCEThe tribune Marcus Livius Drusus proposes extending Roman citizenship to allied Italian cities, but is assassinated, leading to the Social War.source
90 BCEWishing to please the emperor, Li Guangli and his 70,000 men penetrate as far as the Selenga River. A detachment crosses the river and defeats an army of 20,000 under the Xiongnu Left General-in-Chief, who is killed. However, Li Guangli is then defeated by Hulugu Chanyu's army of 50,000 in the Khangai Mountains and surrenders. Li Guangli marries Hulugu's daughter, and Emperor Wu exterminates Li's clan.source
90 BCENicomedes IV of Bithynia is defeated in battle by a coalition of Nicomedes' brother Socrates, and Mithridates VI of Pontus. Nicomedes flees to Rome.source
90 BCECorfinium in south-central Italy is the center of a rebellion against Rome.source
90 BCECicero starts to serve in the Roman army.source
90 BCESocial War continues: Pompeius Strabo and Gaius Marius distinguish themselves.source
90 BCEArshak I becomes king of Caucasian Iberia after overthrowing Farnadjom.source
90 BCEThe Xiongnu invade the Prefectures of Wuyuan and Jiuquan and kill the commandants of both Prefectures.source
90 BCEEmperor Wu of Han sends three armies against the Xiongnu under General-in-Chief Li Guangli, Ma Tong and Shang Qiucheng, marching from Wuyuan, Jiuqian and Xihe respectively. An army of Central Asian vassals of Han, under Cheng Mian, captures the king of the vassal state of Jushi, who is suspected of treachery. The Xiongnu General-in-Chief and the former Han general Li Ling fight indecisively against Shang's army.source
89 BCECicero ends his service in the Roman army.source
89 BCEMithridates VI of Pontus invades Bithynia and Cappadocia, thus beginning the First Mithridatic War.source
89 BCERoman forces under Lucius Porcius Cato are defeated by the Italian rebels in the Battle of Fucine Lake, Cato is killed.source
89 BCEThe Roman army of Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo decisively defeats the rebels in the Battle of Asculum.source
88 BCEMay – King Mithridates VI of Pontus invades Greece. Defeating the Roman forces four times in succession, he conquers Bithynia, Phrygia, Mysia, Lycia, Pamphylia, Ionia and Cappadocia. The Roman province of Asia is dismantled. On the king's orders, the local authorities in every city of the province round up and put to death all resident Italians in a single day (App.Mith.§§85–91). Plutarch (Sulla 24.4) says that 150,000 are killed, other sources calculate a figure of 80,000 people.source
88 BCEThe Social War ends with the defeat of the Italian allies by the Romans.source
88 BCEThe Dardani, Scordisci, and the Maedi attack the Roman province of Macedonia.source
87 BCEGnaeus Octavius and Lucius Cornelius Cinna are inaugurated as consuls. With Cinna seeking to enrol the Italians into all the tribes per vim, he is expelled from the city by Octavius and replaced as consul by Lucius Merula. Mobilising against the regime at Rome, Cinna marches on the city, occupies it with the support of Gaius Marius, and regains his consulship. In the aftermath Octavius is killed, Merula is forced to suicide.source
87 BCEFirst Mithridatic War: Siege of Athens (87–86 BC) – Sulla arrives in Greece and from Autumn besieges Athens. He orders Lucius Licinius Lucullus to raise a fleet from Rome's allies around the eastern Mediterranean.source
86 BCEMarch 1 – Siege of Athens (87–86 BC) ends when Sulla captures Athens from the Pontic army, removing the tyrant Aristion.source
86 BCELucius Licinius Lucullus decisively defeats the Mithridatic fleet in the Battle of Tenedos.source
86 BCEThe Dardani ally with Pontus and are defeated by Sulla soon after.source
86 BCEThe Roman forces of Lucius Cornelius Sulla defeat the Pontic forces of Archelaus in the Battle of Chaeronea.source
85 BCEFirst Mithridatic War: Lucius Cornelius Sulla again defeats Archelaus in the decisive Battle of Orchomenus.source
84 BCEBattle of Cana: The Arab Nabataean Kingdom decisively defeats the Greek Seleucid Empire, slaying King Antiochus XII Dionysus, at modern-day Umm Qais in Jordan.source
84 BCEThe First Mithridatic War comes to an end.source
83 BCEGnaeus Pompeius, age 22, raises, on his own initiative, a private army of three legions from his father's veterans and clientelae in Picenum.source
83 BCETigranes the Great, King of Armenia was invited by a faction in the Seleucid civil wars, entered Syria and effectively ended Seleucid rule. Though a weakened Seleucid monarchy was briefly restored after Roman victories, ongoing instability led Pompey to abolish the dynasty and annex Syria as a Roman province in 63 BC.source
83 BCESpring – Lucius Cornelius Sulla returns to Italy from his campaigns in Greece and lands with his legions unopposed at Brundisium. He defeats the popular forces of Gaius Norbanus in the Battle of Mount Tifata.source
83 BCELucius Licinius Murena, the Roman governor of Asia, clashes with the Pontic forces of Mithridates VI, starting the Second Mithridatic War.source
82 BCEApril: Sulla defeats the consul Gaius Marius the Younger at the Battle of Sacriportus, and takes control of Rome.source
82 BCENovember 1: Sulla defeats an army of Samnites and Lucanians alliance in the Battle of the Colline Gate.source
82 BCENovember 2: Sulla slaughters the Samnite prisoners in the Villa publica; the senate rejects his proscription plan.source
82 BCEGaius Marius the Younger is besieged at the fortress city of Praeneste in Latium. After a fierce resistance, Marius commits suicide.source
82 BCELucius Licinius Murena launches a raid against Pontus in the Battle of Halys, starting the Second Mithridatic War.source
81 BCEThe Second Mithridatic War ends with the status quo.source
80 BCEBattle of the Baetis River: A force of Populares exiles under Sertorius defeat the legal Roman army of Lucius Fulfidias in Hispania, starting the Sertorian War; Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius takes command on behalf of Sulla.source
80 BCEQuintus Sertorius re-enters Iberia with a tiny army (2,600 men) and opens a successful campaign against the Sullan forces.source
78 BCEJulius Caesar returns to Rome after about two years of service in the armysource
78 BCEThe Third Dalmatian war begins.source
78 BCEIn Rome, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus becomes consul. He attempts to undermine the Sullan reforms, quarrels with his consular colleague, is sent to govern Transalpine Gaul, and initiates a rebellion against the Senate with his army there.source
76 BCEOn the Iberian Peninsula, in the Roman province of Hispania Citerior, the rebel forces of Quintus Sertorius defeat the republican army of Pompey the Great at the Battle of Lauron.source
75 BCEThird Mithridatic War: Marcus Aurelius Cotta is defeated by Mithridates in the Battle of Chalcedon.source
75 BCEAt the Battle of Saguntum the republican forces on the Iberian Peninsula and the Sertorian rebels fight each other to a draw. Quintus Sertorius is forced to withdraw leaving the battlefield to Pompey and Metellus (the republican commanders).source
75 BCEIn the Roman province of Hispania Ulterior a republican army under Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius defeats an army of Sertorian rebels at the Battle of Italica.source
75 BCENicomedes IV of Bithynia bequeaths his kingdom to Rome on his death (75/4 BC). Angered by the arrangement, Mithridates VI of Pontus declares war on Rome and invades Bithynia, Cappadocia and Paphlagonia, thus starting the Third Mithridatic War.source
75 BCEIn the Roman province of Hispania Citerior an army of Sertorian rebels under Quintus Sertorius himself defeats a republican army under Pompey the Great at the Battle of Sucro.source
75 BCEIn the Roman province of Hispania Citerior a republican army under Pompey the Great defeats an army of Sertorian rebels at the Battle of Valentia.source
74 BCEThird Mithridatic War: Battle of Cyzicus: Roman forces under Lucius Lucullus defeat the forces of Mithridates VI of Pontus.source
73 BCEThird Servile War: Spartacus, a Thracian gladiator, escapes with around 70 slave-gladiators from a gladiator school at Capua. They defeat a small Roman force and equip themselves with captured military equipment as well with gladiatorial weapons. Spartacus and his band of gladiators plunder the region surrounding Capua and retire to a defensible position on Mount Vesuvius.source
73 BCEBattle of Mount Vesuvius: Spartacus defeats a Roman militia force (3,000 men) under Gaius Claudius Glaber. The rebel slaves spend the winter of 73–72 BC training, arming and equipping their new recruits, as well as expanding their raiding territory, which includes the towns of Nola, Nuceria, Thurii and Metapontum.source
72 BCEThe Suebi and other tribes under King Ariovistus invade Gaul.source
72 BCEThird Servile War: Spartacus moves with his followers northward to the Po Valley. Roman forces under Lucius Gellius Publicola defeat a group of slaves (30,000 men) led by Crixus near Mount Gargano. He kills two-thirds of the rebels, including Crixus himself.source
72 BCEBattle of Cabira: Lucius Lucullus defeats King Mithridates VI and overruns Pontus. Mithridates flees to Armenia, ruled by his son-in-law Tigranes, who refuses to turn his father-in-law in to Lucius Lucullus.source
72 BCESummer – Spartacus and his followers defeat the Roman forces under Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Clodianus and Gellius, forcing the Roman legions to retreat in disarray. Both consuls are recalled to Rome in disgrace and relieved of their duties.source
72 BCESpartacus moves north again, to cross the Alps into Gaul and then to Thracia. Outside Mutina on the plain of the River Po he defeats the Roman forces under Gaius Cassius Longinus, governor of Gallia Cisalpina.source
72 BCEWinter – Spartacus decides to camp near Thurii. Marcus Licinius Crassus with ten Roman legions tries to trap the rebels in the toe of Italy. He builds a trench and a low earth rampart (with a fortified palisade).source
72 BCEPerperna is defeated by Pompey the Great at the Battle of Osca, ending the Sertorian War in Spain.source
71 BCENessebar in modern-day Bulgaria comes under Roman rule.source
71 BCEThird Servile War ends; Slave rebellion under leadership of Spartacus is crushed by a Roman army under Marcus Licinius Crassus. Slaves taken prisoner are crucified naked along the Via Appia.source
70 BCELucullus captures Sinop, then invades Armenia.source
69 BCEOctober 6 – Roman Republic troops under Lucius Lucullus defeat the army of Tigranes II of Armenia in the Battle of Tigranocerta, and capture Tigranocerta, capital of Armenia.source
69 BCEKydonia, an ancient city on the island of Crete falls to Roman military forces.source
69 BCEPtolemy XII deposes Cleopatra V, and becomes sole ruler.source
68 BCEOctober 6 – Lucius Lucullus defeats Tigranes II of Armenia in the Battle of Artaxata.source
68 BCEAbgar II becomes ruler of Osroene.source
67 BCEDecember – The army of the Han dynasty Chinese commander Zheng Ji is victorious over the Xiongnu in the Battle of Jushi.source
67 BCEMithridates VI invades Pontus and defeats a Roman army at the Battle of Zela.source
67 BCEDuring Pompey's war against the pirates, he raises a fleet of 500 warships and fights with great success.source
67 BCEPompey takes over the command of Lucius Licinius Lucullus in the war against Mithridates VI of Pontus, and reaps the fruit of the latter's victories.source
67 BCEJulius Caesar reconciles with Pompey and Crassussource
67 BCELucullus returnes to Pontus, but his troops refuse to campaign for him any longer and he withdrew to Galatia.source
66 BCEBattle of the Lycus: Pompey the Great decisively defeats Mithridates VI, effectively ending the Third Mithridatic War.source
66 BCETigranes II is forced to surrender, by a payment of 6,000 talents, and is reinstated by Pompey as a "friend of the Roman people" to hold Armenia as a buffer zone.source
66 BCEThe lex Manilia, supported by Cicero gives Pompey command over all of Asia.source
65 BCETigranes of Armenia is defeated and captured by Pompey, thus ending all hostilities on the northeastern frontier of Rome.source
64 BCEPompey destroys the kingdom of Pontus; king Mithridates VI commits suicide after escaping to the Crimea.source
64 BCEPompey annexes Syria and captures Jerusalem, annexing Judea.source
63 BCEMassacre of over 12,000 Jews on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem by Roman troops, in support of John Hyrcanus II against Aristobulus II.source
63 BCERoman annexation of the Seleucid Empire and of Judea as a client kingdom. King Judah Aristobulus II removed from power, while his brother John Hyrcanus II is reappointed king (ethnarch) under Roman suzerainty and high priest, until 40 BC.source
63 BCESecond Catilinarian Conspiracy against the Roman Republic is foiled by Cicero.source
62 BCEJanuary 5 – The forces of the conspirator Catiline are defeated by the loyal Roman armies of Antonius Hybrida led by Marcus Petreius in the Battle of Pistoria.source
61 BCEPompey returns to Rome with a triumph in honor of his for victories in the eastern provinces.source
61 BCEJulius Caesar becomes governor in Hispania and creates Legio X Gemina (3,500 men). He puts down the Callaici and Lusitani rebellions.source
60 BCEGaius Julius Caesar suppresses an uprising and conquers all of Lusitania for Rome.source
60 BCEThe Han dynasty government establishes the Protectorate of the Western Regions, the highest military position of a military commander on the Western frontier (Tarim Basin).source
58 BCEJune – Caesar defeats the migrating Helvetii in the Battle of the Arar (Saône).source
58 BCEJuly – Caesar decisively defeats the Helvetii in the Battle of Bibracte.source
58 BCESeptember – Caesar decisively defeats the Suebi led by King Ariovistus in the Battle of Vosges.source
58 BCEFirst year of Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars:source
58 BCEJulius Caesar becomes a provincial governor (proconsul) and leads a Roman army (6 Roman legions; Legio VII, Legio VIII, Legio IX, Legio X, and newly levied Legio XI and Legio XII) into Gaul. He deploys auxiliaries as part of this army, including Balearic slingers, Numidian and Cretan archers, and Celtic/Gallic cavalry (such as the allied Aedui).source
58 BCEBerenice IV becomes queen of Egypt after temporarily dethroning her father, King Ptolemy XII Auletes.source
57 BCEMay – Battle of the Axona: Caesar defeats the forces of the Belgae under King Galba of the Suessiones.source
57 BCEJuly – Battle of the Sabis: Caesar defeats the Nervii, Roman forces are almost annihilated in an ambush.source
57 BCESeptember – The siege and capture of Aduatuca (modern-day Tongeren) by Caesar.source
57 BCECaesar defeats a Belgic army near Bibrax (modern-day Laon) in the territory of the Remi. He moves northwards against the Belgic tribes, the Nervii and the Aduatuci.source
57 BCESecond year of Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars:source
57 BCESpring – Julius Caesar raises a further two legions (Legio XIII and Legio XIV), bringing his army in Gaul to eight legions (at which strength it remains until 54 BC).source
56 BCEThird year of Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars:source
56 BCEBattle of Morbihan: Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, one of Caesar's subordinates, defeats the Veneti of Brittany. The Gauls lose most of their warships to the Romans in a sea battle at modern-day Quiberon Bay. The strongholds on the coast are stormed, and the population is slaughtered or sold into slavery.source
56 BCEAutumn – Julius Caesar leads an attack on the Morini and the Menapii tribes of the Belgae on the North Sea. They withdraw into their forests, creating difficulties for Caesar's supply lines. The onset of bad weather forces him to pull back into Gallia Belgica.source
55 BCEMay – Julius Caesar defeats a Germanic army and massacres the women and children near the Meuse and Rhine Rivers (now known as the city of Kessel in the Netherlands).source
55 BCEAugust 22 or August 26 – Julius Caesar commands his first invasions of Britain, likely a reconnaissance-in-force expedition, in response to the Britons giving military aid to his Gallic enemies. Caesar retreats back to Gaul when the majority of his force is prevented from landing by storms.source
55 BCEFourth year of Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars:source
55 BCESpring – Julius Caesar starts the season campaigning in Illyricum (in the Balkan region) against the Pirustae, who have been raiding Roman territory.source
55 BCESummer – Julius Caesar defeats the Usipetes and the Tencteri, two Germanic tribes who have been driven across the Rhine River by the Suebi. He spreads Roman law and order, and makes the whole country as far as the Channel accessible to trade.source
55 BCEMithridates IV, claimant to the throne of Parthia, supported by Aulus Gabinius, Roman governor of Syria, is defeated by Surena, general under Orodes, in the Battle of Seleucia.source
54 BCEJuly – Second of Caesar's Invasions of Britain: Julius Caesar receives nominal submission from the tribal chief Cassivellaunus and installs Mandubracius as a friendly king.source
54 BCEFifth year of Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars:source
54 BCEWinter – Ambiorix revolts in Gaul.source
54 BCECrassus arrives in Syria as proconsul and invades the Parthian Empire, initiating the Roman–Persian Wars, which were to last nearly seven centuries.source
53 BCEMay 6 – Battle of Carrhae: Romans defeated, and Crassus killed, by Parthians led by General Surena.source
53 BCEThe Parthian Empire achieved a decisive victory against Rome at the Battle of Carrhae, where General Surena defeated and killed Roman triumvir Marcus Licinius Crassus. According to some historical interpretations, the Mahestan (Parthian noble council) supported preparations for the defense of the empire and advised the king during the military mobilization.source
53 BCEVercingetorix, an Arverni chieftain, leads a revolt against Caesar in Central Gaul.source
53 BCEJulius Caesar suppresses a revolt led by Ambiorix near Sabis (Northern Gaul).source
53 BCEArtavasdes II becomes king of Armenia.source
53 BCEWinter – Caesar enrolls non-citizen soldiers in Gallia Transalpina, genesis of Legio V Alaudae. He increases his army to ten legions.source
52 BCEMarch – Siege and capture of Avaricum (Bourges).source
52 BCEApril–May – Siege and repulse from Gergovia.source
52 BCEJuly – Battle of the Vingeanne: Julius Caesar rebuffs, with his German auxiliaries, a Gallic cavalry attack of Vercingetorix.source
52 BCESeptember – Battle of Alesia: Julius Caesar defeats the Gallic allies coming to aid Vercingetorix, led by his cousin Vercassivellanus. Vercingetorix surrenders on October 3, signalling the Roman conquest of Gaul. The final pacification of Gaul is completed the following year.source
52 BCESummer – Siege of Alesia: Julius Caesar spreads out his legions around the Oppidum and builds a string of fortifications surrounding the stronghold of Alesia.source
52 BCEWinter – Julius Caesar crosses Mons Cevenna (central Gaul) and sends his army through the passes covered with snowdrifts to take the rebellious Arverni by surprise.source
51 BCEThe Xiongnu split into two hordes. The Eastern horde is subject to China.source
51 BCEPompey demands that Julius Caesar lay down his command before he can stand for consul.source
50 BCEThe Senate recalls Julius Caesar and rescinds his authority. Caesar breaks alliance with Pompey.source
49 BCEJanuary 1 – The Roman Senate receives a proposal from Julius Caesar that he and Pompey should lay down their commands simultaneously. The Senate responds that Caesar must immediately surrender his command.source
49 BCEJanuary – Caesar leads his army across the Rubicon, which separates his jurisdiction in Cisalpine Gaul from that of the Senate in Rome, and thus initiates a civil war.source
49 BCEMarch 9 – Caesar advances against Pompeian forces in Spain.source
49 BCEApril 19 – Siege of Massilia: Caesar commences a siege at Massilia against the Pompeian Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus. He leaves the newly raised legions XVII, XVIII and XIX to conduct the siege. Decimus Brutus – victor over the Veneti (see 56 BC) – is in charge of the fleet to blockade the harbor.source
49 BCEJune – Caesar arrives in Spain; seizes the Pyrenees passes against the Pompeians L. Afranius and Marcus Petreius.source
49 BCEJuly 30 – Caesar surrounds Afranius and Petreius's army in Ilerda.source
49 BCEAugust 2 – Pompeians in Ilerda surrender to Caesar and are granted pardon.source
49 BCEAugust 24 – Caesar's general Gaius Scribonius Curio is defeated in North Africa by the Pompeians under Attius Varus and King Juba I of Numidia (whom he defeated earlier in the Battle of Utica) in the Battle of the Bagradas, after which he commits suicide.source
49 BCESeptember 6 – Massilia surrenders to Caesar, as he is coming back from Spain.source
49 BCESeptember – Brutus defeats the combined Pompeian-Massilian naval forces of the siege of Massilia, while the Caesarian fleet in the Adriatic Sea is defeated near Curicta (Krk).source
48 BCEJanuary 4 – Julius Caesar lands at Dyrrhachium (Durazzo).source
48 BCEMarch – Mark Antony joins Julius Caesar.source
48 BCEApril – Siege of Dyrrhachium: Julius Caesar builds a fortified line of entrenchments and besieges Pompey the Great.source
48 BCEJuly 10 – Battle of Dyrrhachium: Julius Caesar barely avoids a catastrophic defeat to Pompey in Macedonia; he retreats to Thessaly.source
48 BCEAugust – Battle of Pharsalus: Julius Caesar decisively defeats Pompey at Pharsalus, who flees to Egypt. Pompey's army by and large is pardoned.source
48 BCESeptember 28 – Pompey the Great is assassinated on the orders of King Ptolemy XIII, after landing in Egypt (may have occurred September 29, records unclear).source
48 BCEDecember – Battle in Alexandria: Forces of Caesar and his ally Cleopatra VII and those of rival King Ptolemy XIII and Queen Arsinoe IV. The latter two are defeated and flee the city, but during the battle part of the Library of Alexandria catches fire.source
48 BCEDecember – Battle of Nicopolis: King Pharnaces II of Pontus defeats the Roman forces under Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus, a loyal partisan of Julius Caesar.source
48 BCEWinter – Siege of Oricum: Julius Caesar captures the strategic city port of Oricum in Epirus (modern Albania). The garrison opens the town's gate and Lucius Manlius Torquatus surrenders to Caesar.source
47 BCEFebruary – Caesar and his ally Cleopatra VII of Egypt defeat the forces of the rival Egyptian Queen Arsinoe IV in the Battle of the Nile. Ptolemy is killed; Caesar, with the aid of Mithridates I of the Bosporus, then relieves his besieged forces in Alexandria.source
47 BCEAugust 2 – Caesar defeats Pharnaces II of Pontus, king of the Bosphorus, in the Battle of Zela (the war Caesar tersely describes as veni, vidi, vici).source
47 BCEAugust – Julius Caesar quells a mutiny of his veterans in Rome.source
47 BCEAugust – Julius Caesar leads victory against Pharnaces II of Pontus and at the Battle of Zela.source
47 BCEOctober – Caesar's invasion of Africa, against Metellus Scipio and Labienus, Caesar's former lieutenant in Gaul.source
47 BCEBattle at Mount Tabor in Judea: Roman troops, commanded by Gabinius, defeat the forces of Alexander, son of Aristobulus II of Judea, who is attempting to re-establish Judean independence. Some 10,000 Jews die at the hands of the Romans.source
46 BCEJanuary 4 – Titus Labienus fights Julius Caesar in the Battle of Ruspina.source
46 BCEApril 6 – Caesar defeats the combined army of Pompeian followers and Numidians under Metellus Scipio and Juba I of Numidia at Thapsus. After the battle Caesar grants Legio V Alaudae the right to bear the elephant symbol on its shields and standards, for bravery against a charge of elephants.source
46 BCEApril – Caesar defeats Pompey loyalists at Thapsus.source
46 BCESeptember 26 – Julius Caesar dedicates a temple to his mythical ancestor Venus Genetrix in fulfillment of a vow he made at the battle of Pharsalus.source
46 BCECaesar subdues a mutiny of his Tenth Legion.source
46 BCECaesar's erstwhile mistress, Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt, and his son by her, Caesarion, take up residence in one of the dictator's estates on the Tiber.source
45 BCEMarch 17 – Civil War: In his last victory, Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the younger in the Battle of Munda. Labienus dies in battle, Pompey the younger is executed, but Sextus Pompey escapes to take command of the remnants of the Pompeian fleet.source
45 BCEThe veterans of Julius Caesar's Legions Legio XIII Gemina and Legio X Equestris demobilize. The veterans of the 10th legion are settled in Narbo, while those of the 13th are given somewhat better lands in Italia itself.source
44 BCEMarch 15 (the Ides of March) – Julius Caesar, dictator of Rome, is assassinated by a group of senators, amongst them Gaius Cassius Longinus, Marcus Junius Brutus, and Caesar's Massilian naval commander, Decimus Brutus.source
44 BCEDecember – Antony besieges Brutus Albinus in Mutina (Modena), with Octavian, an ally of Decimus, who is one of his uncle's assassins, close by.source
43 BCEMarch – Vibius Pansa set out to link up with Hirtius and Octavian, bringing four legions of recruits, having left one, the legio urbana, to defend Rome.source
43 BCEApril 14 – Battle of Forum Gallorum: Mark Antony, besieging Caesar's assassin Decimus Brutus Albinus in Mutina, defeats the forces of the consul Pansa, but is then immediately defeated by the army of the other consul, Hirtius. Both consuls are killed (Hirtius does not die until after the Battle of Mutina).source
43 BCEApril 21 – Antony is again defeated in the Battle of Mutina by a coalition of Octavian, Decimus Brutus, and the two consuls of the year.source
43 BCEJuly–August – Antony is again at the head of a large army; Octavian enters Rome in force without opposition. It is clear that Cicero's plan to divide them against each other has failed.source
43 BCEMarcus Junius Brutus proceeds to secure his position in Thrace and Macedonia. Gaius Cassius Longinus campaigns in Syria and defeats the army of Publius Cornelius Dolabella at Laodicea.source
43 BCESummer – Gaius Cassius captures Rhodes after they refuse to pay tribute. Their fleet is defeated by Roman galleys in the Aegean Sea. He lands a military force on the island and plunders the city. Cassius puts to death 50 of the leading citizens and seizes all the gold he can lay hands on.source
43 BCEConsuls: Gaius Vibius Pansa Caetronianus and Aulus Hirtius. The Roman Senate confirms Octavian as propraetor with joint responsibility for the campaign against Antony. Hirtius and Octavian mobilize troops for the march to Mutina, while Pansa continues the levy. Embassy dispatched to treat with Antony.source
42 BCEJanuary – Publius Vatinius, governor of Illyricum, seizes Dyrrachium and is forced to surrender his army (three legions) to Marcus Junius Brutus.source
42 BCEJuly – Mark Antony lands with an army (28 legions) in Illyria, leaving Octavian ill at Dyrrachium, and marches to Amphipolis. Admiral Ahenobarbus, with the Republican fleet (130 warships), blockades the Adriatic Sea.source
42 BCEMarcus Brutus begins to plunder the cities of Asia Minor, in order to obtain money and soldiers. The inhabitants of Lycia refuse to submit to Rome, and Brutus besieges Xanthus. After destroying their suburbs, the Xanthians withdraw into the heavily fortified city. The Roman legionaries (2,000 men) force the gate and fight their way into the forum. The citizens make a last stand by the temple of Sarpedon and, as night falls, the Roman army conquers the city.source
42 BCEThe confederation of Lycia sends ambassadors to Brutus, promising to form a military league and contribute money for building ships. Gaius Cassius Longinus occupies Rhodes, and orders all the other cities of Asia to pay a tribute for 10 years.source
42 BCESaxa retreats to link up with Norbanus at the Sapaei Pass. The Republicans outflank the enemy, forging an alternate route through the mountains in the north.source
41 BCEPerusine War: An armed resistance breaks out across Italy; the Umbrian city of Sentinum is captured and destroyed by Quintus Salvidienus Rufus.source
41 BCELucius Antonius occupies Perusia. He accepts the appeal of the local population. Lucius and Fulvia are defeated by Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian in the Battle of Perugia.source
40 BCEQuintus Labienus occupies Cilicia and marches, with an army, into Anatolia. Most cities surrender without resistance, except for Alabanda and Mylasa. The Parthians restore their territory to nearly the limits of the old Achaemenid Empire. Labienus proclaims himself "Parthian Emperor" of Asia Minor.source
40 BCESextus Pompey dispatches Menas with four legions and captures Sardinia, driving out Octavian's governor Marcus Lurius. He seizes the capital, Caralis and occupies Corsica. Sextus besieges Cosenza in Bruttium and Thurii in Lucania, ravaging the territory with his cavalry.source
40 BCESextus' fleet raids the ports of Puteoli and Ostia. The populace hold the Triumvirs responsible for prolonging the war, provoking a riot on the Forum. Octavian, with the Praetorian Guard, goes to intercept the riot, and only escapes with his life because Antony summons troops to rescue his junior colleague.source
40 BCEPacorus crosses, with the help of Quintus Labienus, the Euphrates and invades Syria. The capital Antioch surrenders, and the Parthians take Phoenicia and Judea. However, they cannot besiege the fortified city of Tyre, because they have no fleet.source
40 BCEParthians conquer Jerusalem. Hyrcanus II is removed from power, while Antigonus the Hasmonean becomes king of Judea under Parthian rule. Herod the Great flees Jerusalem to Rome. There he is titled king of Judea by Mark Antony.source
39 BCEMarcus Antonius dispatches Publius Ventidius Bassus with 11 legions to the East and drives Quintus Labienus out of Asia Minor. Labienus retreats into Syria, where he receives Parthian reinforcements. Ventidius finally defeats him in the battle at the Taurus Mountains.source
39 BCEPublius Ventidius defeats Pharnastanes with his cataphracts at the Amanus Gates, and goes on to reclaim Syria, Phoenicia and Judea. Labienus flees to Cilicia, where he is captured and executed.source
38 BCEOctavian appoints Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa governor of Transalpine Gaul, where he puts down an uprising of the Aquitanians. He also fights successfully against the Germanic tribes, and becomes the next Roman general to cross the Rhine after Julius Caesar.source
37 BCERomans conquer Jerusalem from the Parthians. Herod the Great becomes king of Judea and Ananelus is installed as High Priest; both positions are seized from Antigonus II Mattathias after a five-month siege. Thousands of Jews are slaughtered by Roman troops supporting Herod.source
36 BCEJune – Mark Antony launches a major offensive against the Parthians, in which he marches with 10 legions and 10,000 cavalry to Carana in Anatolia.source
36 BCEJuly – Octavian's fleet (102 warships) embarks from Puteoli and tries to invade Sicily, but it is caught in a storm at Vibo and forced to return.source
36 BCESeptember 3 – Battle of Naulochus: Agrippa defeats Sextus Pompeius, a son of Pompeius, in a naval engagement off Naulochus. Sextus escapes with 17 ships to Messana and then to Asia Minor.source
36 BCEOctober–December – The Han dynasty Chinese army under General Chen Tang and General Gan Yanshou defeat the Xiongnu leader Zhizhi Chanyu in the Battle of Zhizhi. This leads to half a century of peace between the Han dynasty and the Xiongnu until Wang Mang enrages them in the year AD 10, resuming hostilities between both sides.source
36 BCEOctober – Antony abandons the siege of Phraaspa (near Maragheh, Iran). He retreats, loses many men to disease and starvation in the subsequent retreat to Egypt, and marries Cleopatra VII while still married to Octavia.source
36 BCEPublius Canidius Crassus invades Armenia and Iberia (Georgia); he forces Parnavaz II into an alliance against Zober, king of Albania.source
36 BCEMarcus Lepidus lands 12 legions from Africa and lays siege to Lilybaeum. He loses his army to Octavian when his men mutiny. Lepidus is kept in luxurious captivity in Rome until his death.source
36 BCEAntony crosses the frontier into Media Atropatene and commences the siege of Phraaspa. He establishes a line of circumvallation and builds siege engines.source
35 BCEPannonia is attacked by Octavian Caesar, who conquers and sacks the stronghold Siscia (Sisak) of the Segestani, which is taken after a 30-day siege. The country is not definitely subdued, however, until 9 BC.source
35 BCEMarcus Titius arrives in Syria with a large army and marches to Asia Minor. Sextus is caught in Miletus and executed without trial.source
35 BCEAzes I, Indo-Scythian ruler, completes the domination of the Scythians in northern India.source
35 BCESextus Pompeius defeats the governor of Asia, Gaius Furnius, with three legions and seizes Nicaea and Nicomedia (modern Izmit).source
34 BCEGaius Julius Caesar Octavian pacifies Dalmatia and Pannonia forming the province of Illyricum, while Antony regains Armenia from Parthia. Octavian reduces the outposts defending the Liburnian town of Promona, sets up siege works and forces its surrender.source
34 BCEAntony advances into Armenia with an expeditionary force (16 legions) and marches to the capital Artaxata. He arrests king Artavasdes II and takes him to Alexandria.source
33 BCEThe second term of the Second Triumvirate expires.source
33 BCEThe Kinambroi surrender to Octavian.source
32 BCEJuly – The Roman Senate declares war upon Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII. Octavian Caesar is proclaimed dux and the West - Gallic and Spanish provinces, Africa, Sicily and Sardinia - swear an oath (sacramentum) of loyalty to him. In order to assure this oath, Octavian forces the high priest of the Vestal Virgins in Rome to hand over Antony's will, which contains information about the Roman-conquered territories as kingdoms and plans to build a tomb in Alexandria for him and Cleopatra.source
32 BCESpring – Final War of the Roman Republic: Mark Antony transfers his headquarters from Samos to Athens, where he assembles a fleet of 500 combat vessels and 300 transport ships, crewed by 150,000 men.source
32 BCEWinter – Antony distributes garrisons along the west coast of Greece, stations the fleet at Actium and establishes his headquarters at Patrae.source
32 BCESparta under Caius Iulius Eurycles, whose father Antony had been ordered to be executed for piracy, declares his support for Octavian. Lappa (modern Argyroupoli) in Attica and Kydonia in Crete revolt against Cleopatra.source
31 BCESeptember 2 – Roman Civil War: Battle of Actium: Off the western coast of Greece, Octavian Caesar defeats naval forces under Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII.source
31 BCEAntony, alerted by Octavian's presence, sets up camp on the southern shore, at the promontory of Actium. He dispatches a force to isolate the camp of Octavian in the valley of Louros.source
31 BCEThe Egyptian fleet (60 warships), including Cleopatra's treasure ship, retreats to Taenarus. Antony transfers his flag to a smaller vessel and breaks through Octavian's line.source
31 BCEAgrippa storms Leucas, giving Octavian an anchorage and a second depot for his land supplies. He seizes the garrison at Patrae, and takes Antony's headquarters.source
31 BCEAmyntas, king of Galatia, deserts with 2,000 cavalry to Octavian. One-third of Antony's oarsmen are lost to malnutrition, disease and desertion.source
30 BCEJuly 31 – Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony achieves a minor victory over Octavian's forces, but most of his army subsequently deserts, leading to his suicide.source
30 BCEAugust 1 – Octavian Caesar captures Alexandria. This marks the official annexation of Ancient Egypt to the Roman Republic. Cleopatra evacuates her court and treasury to Berenice on the west coast of the Red Sea, but king Malchus of Nabatea attacks from the desert and burns the Egyptian ships.source
30 BCEThe remaining children of Cleopatra are spared by Octavian and taken back in triumph; Octavia Minor raises Alexander Helios, Cleopatra Selene and Ptolemy Philadelphus in her household in Rome.source
30 BCESpring – Octavian leads his army to the Dardanelles, ships them across to Asia Minor and marches into Syria where Herod the Great sends him vows of loyalty and thousands of his own troops in support.source
30 BCESummer – Cornelius Gallus lands in Cyrene and occupies Paraetonium. Mark Antony storms the city walls and blockades the harbour, then retreats with his army (7 legions) to Egypt and receives the news that Pelusium has opened its gates to Octavian without resistance.source
29 BCESofia, modern day capital of Bulgaria, is conquered by the Romans and becomes known as Ulpia Serdica.source
29 BCEStart of the Cantabrian Wars against Roman occupation in Hispania.source
29 BCERevolt of Thebes suppressed in Egypt.source
27 BCECaesar Augustus starts a new military reform. He reduces the number of legions to 26 and creates the Praetorian Guard (1,000 men).source
26 BCEAbgar III of Osroene is succeeded by Abgar IV Sumaqa.source
26 BCETiridates II invades Parthia and issues coins dated from March and May, 26 BC.source
26 BCEAugustus starts a campaign against the Cantabrians in northern Hispania. He leads an army (8 legions) and consolidates the north-eastern region.source
25 BCEEstimation: Rome, capital of the Roman Empire, becomes the largest city in the world, taking the lead from Chang'an, capital of China.source
23 BCEIn response to Meroë's incursions into Upper Egypt, the Roman legions move south and raze Napata. (History of Sudan).source
23 BCEThe Nubians, led by queen Kandake Amanirenas, take the initiative against the Roman Empire, and attack the Roman province of Egypt moving towards Elephantine.source
22 BCEKing Artaxias II returns, with the support of the Parthians, to Armenia and claims the throne. Artavasdes I escapes to Rome, where Caesar Augustus receives him.source
22 BCEThe Roman governor of Egypt, Gaius Petronius, marches up the Nile with legions XXII Deiotariana and III Cyrenaica, and destroys the Nubian capital of Napata.source
20 BCEMay 12 – Emperor Augustus Caesar negotiates a peace with Parthia, making Armenia a buffer zone between the two major powers. The captured eagles of Marcus Licinius Crassus and Mark Antony are returned.source
17 BCEEmperor Augustus adopts Gaius and Lucius Caesar.source
16 BCEClades Lolliana: Roman consul Marcus Lollius is defeated by a Germanic horde.source
16 BCEThe Noricans having joined with the Pannonians in invading Histria, are defeated by Publius Silius Nerva, proconsul of Illyricum.source
15 BCEThe Raeti tribes of the Alps are subjugated by Tiberius and Nero Claudius Drusus and the new Roman province of Raetia is established with Chur (in modern-day Switzerland) as its capital. During the campaign, Roman triremes destroy the fleet of the Vindelici in the Battle of Lake Constance. Augsburg is founded as Augusta Vindelicorum; and Legio XXI Rapax is stationed at Regensburg in the new province.source
14 BCEWinter – The Roman Legio X Fretensis is stationed in Syria, and the legionaries are settled at the ancient city of Beirut.source
13 BCEDrusus is granted governor of Gaul and mobilises a Roman army to beat the Germans back across the Rhine. He travels to the North Sea and pays tribute to the Frisii.source
13 BCERevolt in Thrace against Roman rule led by Vologases.source
12 BCERoman armies based at Xanten, Cologne and Mainz campaign beyond the Rhine.source
12 BCETiberius Claudius Nero summoned to Pannonia due to severe revolt by the Delmatae.source
11 BCEBattle of Arbalo: Roman forces under Augustus's stepson Nero Claudius Drusus beat off a German ambush.source
11 BCEBattle of the Lupia River: Roman forces under Augustus's stepson Nero Claudius Drusus win a victory in Germania.source
10 BCEA Roman military camp is established at Speyer (Germany).source
8 BCEArminius, son of a Cheruscan chieftain, is taken as a hostage to Rome, where he receives a military education.source
8 BCEStrato II, the last Indo-Greek king, rules the eastern Punjab alongside his co-regent son Strato III (r. c.25BC – AD10)source
4 BCENamhae becomes king of the Korean kingdom of Silla.source
1 BCEc. 1 BC: Natakamani succeeds Amanishakheto as the King of Kush.source