Ancient World
Ancient World
by @systems
Key events from ancient civilizations across the globe
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
Founding of Rome
According to legend, Romulus founds the city of Rome after killing his twin brother Remus.
Rome, Italy
Battle of Marathon
Athenian forces defeat the Persian army, preserving Greek independence and marking a turning point in the Greco-Persian Wars.
Marathon, Greece
Death of Socrates
The philosopher Socrates is executed by drinking hemlock after being convicted of corrupting the youth of Athens.
Athens, Greece
Alexander the Great conquers Persia
Alexander defeats Darius III at the Battle of Gaugamela, effectively ending the Persian Empire.
Gaugamela, Iraq
Assassination of Julius Caesar
Roman dictator Julius Caesar is stabbed to death by a group of senators on the Ides of March.
Rome, Italy
Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
Vesuvius erupts catastrophically, burying the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under volcanic ash.
Pompeii, Italy
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
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
Odoacer deposes the last Western Roman Emperor Romulus Augustulus, marking the traditional end of ancient Rome.
Ravenna, Italy