Ancient World
Catiline Conspiracy (63 BC): Cicero Against Catiline
The plot was crushed; five conspirators were executed in Rome without trial and Catiline died in battle at Pistoria in early 62 BC.
Era · c. 3000 BC – AD 500
Ancient World
The first cities, empires and written records, from the pyramids of Egypt to Greece and the Roman Empire.
Ancient World
Mount Nemrut: Antiochus I's Tomb-Sanctuary in Commagene
A royal tomb-mound and terraces of colossal statues were built on the summit; the site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Ancient World
First Triumvirate (60 BC): Caesar, Pompey and Crassus
The three men controlled Roman politics through the 50s BC; the alliance ended with Crassus's death in 53 BC, leaving Caesar and Pompey as rivals.
Ancient World
Tomb of the Marquis of Haihun: Liu He's Treasure-Filled Grave
Excavation of the largely intact tomb produced more than 10,000 objects, including gold, around ten tonnes of bronze coins and thousands of bamboo slips.
Ancient World
Caesar's Gallic Wars (58-50 BC): The Roman Conquest of Gaul
Roman victory; all of Gaul between the Pyrenees, the Alps and the Rhine came under Roman rule, at enormous human cost.
Ancient World
Caesar's Invasions of Britain (55-54 BC): Rome Crosses the Sea
Caesar won battles and imposed hostages and tribute but left no garrison; Britain was not conquered until the Roman invasion of AD 43.
Ancient World
Dendera Temple of Hathor: Ptolemaic Temple, Zodiac and Crypts
One of the best-preserved temples in Egypt was built for the goddess Hathor between the late Ptolemaic and early Roman periods.
Ancient World
Battle of Carrhae (53 BC): Parthia Destroys Crassus's Army
Decisive Parthian victory; Crassus was killed, most of his army destroyed or captured, and Rome's eastward expansion was halted at the Euphrates.
Ancient World
Siege of Alesia (52 BC): Caesar Defeats Vercingetorix
Decisive Roman victory; the Gallic relief army was routed, Vercingetorix surrendered and the great revolt of 52 BC collapsed.
Ancient World
Cleopatra VII: Last Ptolemaic Ruler of Egypt (51-30 BC)
Cleopatra's defeat and death in 30 BC ended the Ptolemaic dynasty, and Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire.
Ancient World
Caesar Crosses the Rubicon (49 BC): The Die Is Cast
Caesar entered Italy with an army against the Senate's orders, starting a civil war that ended the Roman Republic's traditional order.
Ancient World
Alexandrian War (48-47 BC): Caesar, Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII
Caesar's victory; Ptolemy XIII drowned and Cleopatra VII was confirmed as queen of Egypt under Roman protection.