Ancient World

Key events from ancient civilizations across the globe

2560s BCEcultural

Construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza

Pharaoh Khufu commissions the largest of the Egyptian pyramids, which would remain the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years.

Giza, Egypt

753 BCEpolitical

Founding of Rome

According to legend, Romulus founds the city of Rome after killing his twin brother Remus.

Rome, Italy

September 12, 490 BCEbattle

Battle of Marathon

Athenian forces defeat the Persian army, preserving Greek independence and marking a turning point in the Greco-Persian Wars.

Marathon, Greece

399 BCEcultural

Death of Socrates

The philosopher Socrates is executed by drinking hemlock after being convicted of corrupting the youth of Athens.

Athens, Greece

October 331 BCEbattle

Alexander the Great conquers Persia

Alexander defeats Darius III at the Battle of Gaugamela, effectively ending the Persian Empire.

Gaugamela, Iraq

March 15, 44 BCEpolitical

Assassination of Julius Caesar

Roman dictator Julius Caesar is stabbed to death by a group of senators on the Ides of March.

Rome, Italy

August 24, 79 CEnatural

Eruption of Mount Vesuvius

Vesuvius erupts catastrophically, burying the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under volcanic ash.

Pompeii, Italy

117 CEpolitical

Roman Empire at its Greatest Extent

Under Emperor Trajan, the Roman Empire reached its maximum territorial extent, stretching from Britain to Mesopotamia, encompassing the entire Mediterranean Sea.

Rome, Italy

September 4, 476 CEpolitical

Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Odoacer deposes the last Western Roman Emperor Romulus Augustulus, marking the traditional end of ancient Rome.

Ravenna, Italy