History Timeline

The Battle of Maling

203 BCE

Liu Bang defeated the powerful warlord Xiang Yu, cementing his control over China and founding the Han Dynasty. In the end, Shanghai fell, and China lost a significant portion of its best troops. This Battle is what paved the way for the Han dynasty to form.

Foundation of the Han Dynasty

202 BCE

Liu Bang, later Emperor Gaozu, established the Han Dynasty after defeating the Qin remnants and the warlords. He established the Han capital of Chang'an along the Wei River. He was the first emperor of the Han dynasty.

The Reign of Emperor Wu

141 BCE

Emperor Wu significantly expanded the Han Empire through military conquests. He also developed the silk road which was used for trade. His family, the Ji, ruled China for the next few centuries after he died.

The Reign of Emperor Nero 54-68CE

54 BCE

He was known for his persecutions of the Christians and being basically insane. He also burned down his own capital city. He was the final emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

Battle of Actium

31 BCE

Octavian (later Augustus Cesar) defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra, establishing himself as the first Roman Emperor. It gave him full control of the Roman Mediterranean. It took place in the ionian sea(near Greece)

Pax Romana

27 BCE

Went from 27-180 BCE It was a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire, initiated by Emperor Augustus. It made for stable government, better communications systems, safer and easier travel. It also made it easier for the spread of the gospel.

Silk Road Opening (2nd century BCE)

2 BCE

The Han Dynasty established diplomatic ties with the West, initiating trade along the Silk Road. General Zhang Qian is the guy associated with starting the silk road. It was opened by territorial expansion.

The Reign of Emperor Ping (1 BCE - 6 CE)

1 BCE

Noted for his peaceful reign, but the increasing power of eunuchs(castrated men) begins to disrupt the court politics. He was the eleventh emperor of the Chinese Han dynasty. He claimed the throne at the age of eight following the death of his cousin

The Xin Dynasty (9-23 CE)

9

Wang Mang overthrew the throne and briefly established the short-lived Xin Dynasty. The Xin dynasty ruled for over a decade before it was overthrown by rebels. After Wang died the Han dynasty was restored.

The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest 9CE

9

This was a major loss for the Roman Legions that stopped their expansion into Germania. By Roman historians it is called the Varian disaster. The Germanic tribes defeated the Roman Legions and took slaves and killed all the rest.

The Wang Mang Rebellion (23 CE)

23

The overthrow of Wang Mang, which lead to the restoration of the Western Han Dynasty under Emperor Guangwu. The capital Chang'an was attacked and the imperial palace was ransacked. Wang died in the battle.

Roman Conquest of Britain (43 CE)

43

Over a span of 45 years the Roman Empire successfully invaded and established control over Britain under Emperor Claudius. The Romans wanted Britain's precious medals such as gold, tin, and iron. A lot of Roman emperors wanted the glory of conquering Britain which is another reason as to why they did it.

Destruction of Jerusalem 69 CE

69

Roman forces under Titus, demolished Jerusalem and destroyed the Second Temple. It was a 5 month long siege on the city. there were many casualties on both sides.

The reign of Emperor Trajan (98-117 CE)

98

Known for expanding the Roman Empire to its largest. Largest in territory and land. He was also known for the conquest of Dacia,

The Antonine Plague (165–180 CE)

165

It was a devastating plague of possibly smallpox, which killed millions and weakened the Roman Empire. It was thought to have started from soldiers who were returning from the east. It killed 5-10 million people.

The Yellow Turban Rebellion (184 CE)

184

It was a massive peasant uprising against the Han government. It happened because they had begun to suffer from high taxes, government corruption, and natural disasters. This marked the start of the decline of the eastern part of the Han dynasty.

The Edict of Milan 313CE

313

The Edict of Milan legalized Christianity in the Roman empire. It was issued by Emperor Constantine himself. Alon with the Edict they stopped persecuting Christians and actually gave their stuff back that they took.

Establishment of the Gupta Empire ( 320 CE)

320

Chandragupta I establishes the Gupta Empire. This laid the foundation for what is often referred to as the Golden Age of India. They expanded through military conquest into a larger empire.

The Reign of Chandragupta II (c. 380–415 CE)

379

He was the son of Samudragupta and grandson of Chandragupta I. His reign was marked by prosperity, cultural achievements, and military expansion. During his reign the cultural achievements that were happening reached their climax.

Fall of the Western Roman Empire 478CE

476

The last Roman emperor of the West, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed (dethroned) by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer. The east which was always stronger and richer continued as the Byzantine empire.