Ancient Mediterranean History Final (signficant figures)

Romulus and Remus

Twin brothers whose story told the events of the creation of Rome. Raised by wolves

Caligula

Roman emperor who was paranoid of his own assassination, exiled many senators and his own two sisters.

Augustus

AKA Octavian, transformed the Roman Republic into an empire and ushered in an era of peace. Member of the Second Triumverate

Diocletian

Ended the Principate and established the Tetrarchy to stabilize the Roman Empire, which he divided into East and West. He ruled from Nicomedia (Turkey)

Julius Caesar

Created the First Triumverate alongside Crassus and Pompey. Has rivalry with Pompey and is known for his military greatness. Conquered Gaul and invaded Britain. Also reformed the calendar, which we use today.

Pompey the Great

Formed the First Triumverate alongside Julius Caesar and Crassus but eventually forms rivalry with Caesar. He is defeated by him and flees to Egypt.

Cleopatra VII

Queen of Egypt, extremely educated, wealthy, and witty. Known as a corrupt seductress according to Roman POV. Had affairs with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Highly influenced Rome.

Marc Antony

Member of the 2nd Triumverate. Has affair with Cleopatra. Rivalry with Octavian eventually leads to his demise.

Constantine

Known for making Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire. He also switches the empire from silver to gold coins.

Septimius Severus

First Roman Emperor from Africa.

Nero

Known for starting the Great Fire of Rome. Also commits the 1st public persecution of Christians.

Marcus Aurelius

Roman emperor who practiced stoicism. Despite his beliefs, he still persecuted Christians and fought wars for most of his reign.

Crassus

Forms the First Triumverate alongside Pompey and Julius Caesar. Defeated Spartacus and campaigned against the Parthians, where he is killed.

Hadrian

Loved Greek culture, incorporated it into his dress and beard. Fortified the boundaries of the Roman Empire with his wall.

Caracalla

To keep the raises for troops, he proposes opening up citizenship to all inhabitants of Rome.

Tiberius Gracchus

Started land reform efforts in Rome, attempting to take land from wealthy landowners and give it to landless citizens and veterans. This was opposed by the Senate and ultimately led to his assassination.

Jesus of Nazereth

His life and message led to the creation of Christianity.

Spartacus

Known for leading a massive slave rebellion against the Roman Republic. He rose from a gladiator to military leader who defeated 9 Roman armies and terrified Italy.

Hannibal Barca

Led Carthage against Rome during the 2nd Punic War. His goal was to separate Rome from its Italian allies.

Zenobia

Warrior queen of Palmyra, known for her military expansion challenging Rome, conquering Egypt and parts of Asia Minor.

Sulla

Military commander known for gaining power by marching on Rome. Known for reforms that strengthened the Senate and set a precedent for military commanders using their army to seize political power.

Scippio Africanus

Defeated Hannibal during the 2nd Punic War and drove Carthaginians out of Spain. This ends the war and secures Roman dominanace in the Western Mediterranean.

Herod the Great

Known for the Massacre of the Innocents and attempts to kill Jesus, but there is no real proof

Theodosius I

Makes Christianity the only legitimate religion of the Roman Empire. Intent on going after Pagans and Pagan institutions, so the Olympics stopped. He was also the last Roman Emperor to rule over a unified Rome, splitting the empire amongst his two sons when he died.

Hypatia

Philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer who was murdered and had her flesh scraped off by a Christian mob.

Nerva

Beginning of the Five Good Emperors era. His short reign focused on restoring good relations with the Senate, ending treason trials, and implementing reforms like land distribution and lower taxes for Jews.