Historical Events tagged with "rome"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Belisarius Launches Raids Against Goths

April 9th, 537 1487 years ago

Byzantine General Belisarius receives 1,600 cavalry reinforcements, primarily composed of Hunnic and Slavic bowmen. With their arrival, Belisarius conducts raids on Gothic camps, targeting King Vitiges' troops. Despite lacking adequate supplies, Belisarius aims to destabilize the Gothic position but finds himself in a stalemate, unable to secure a decisive advantage against the well-fortified enemy.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Siege of Rome by Ostrogoths Begins

March 2nd, 537 1488 years ago

The Ostrogoth army, led by King Vitiges, initiated the siege of Rome, targeting the heart of the Byzantine Empire. As the situation intensified, General Belisarius executed a strategic delaying action near the Flaminian Gate, where he and a small contingent of his bucellarii narrowly avoided encirclement by enemy forces. This marked a critical moment in the conflict as both sides prepared for prolonged confrontation over control of the city.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Belisarius Enters Rome without Resistance

December 9th, 536 1488 years ago

The Byzantine general Belisarius entered Rome, taking control without facing any opposition. The Gothic garrison, unable to withstand the pressure from the Byzantine forces, fled the capital in a retreat that dramatically changed control of the city. This maneuver underscored the strength and strategic prowess of Belisarius during a tumultuous time in Rome's history.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

Mercurius becomes Pope John II

January 2nd, 533 1492 years ago

Mercurius, a Roman clergy member, was elected Pope John II, marking a significant shift in papal tradition as he chose a new name upon elevation. This decision set a precedent for future popes, transforming the way popes were addressed and referred to in the Catholic Church. The name change was not only symbolically important but also reflected the complex interplay of personal identity and religious authority during this period.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Issuance of the First Corpus Juris Civilis

April 7th, 529 1495 years ago

The First Corpus Juris Civilis, also called the 'Body of Civil Law', was commissioned by Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I to consolidate and reform the complex legal materials of the Roman Empire. The work aimed to streamline laws and remove inconsistencies, making them more accessible to the populace and legal professionals alike. This monumental legal compilation included the Codex Justinianus, the Digest, the Institutions, and later the Novellae, serving as a foundational legal reference that influenced many modern legal systems. Its issuance marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Roman law, which carried profound implications for the administration of justice in the Byzantine Empire and beyond.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

John I Ascends as Pope After Hormisdas

August 13th, 523 1501 years ago

John I became Pope following the death of Pope Hormisdas, marking a transition in leadership for the Catholic Church. His election came during a time of significant theological disputes and political complexities within the Roman Empire. Born in Italy, John I was known for his diplomatic skills and commitment to the faith, which were crucial as he faced challenges in maintaining unity within the church and addressing the needs of the Christian community. His papacy would eventually be characterized by efforts to deal with heretical movements and ensure doctrinal consistency.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

Election of Symmachus and Laurentius as Popes

November 22nd, 498 1526 years ago

Following the death of Pope Anastasius II, rival factions in Rome elected two different candidates for the papacy: Symmachus in the Lateran Palace and Laurentius at Santa Maria Maggiore. This division reflected the growing schisms and political power struggles within the early Church, which were influenced by competing theological views and alliances in Rome.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Odoacer Proclaims Himself King of Italy

September 4th, 476 1548 years ago

In the late 5th century, Odoacer, a Germanic chieftain, deposed the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, marking the significant transition from Roman rule in Italy to Germanic control. Odoacer's rise to power was a culmination of political instability and military conflict within the crumbling Western Roman Empire. He took control of Ravenna, the empire's capital, and declared himself King of Italy, symbolizing the end of ancient Rome’s reign over the region. This pivotal moment shifted the dynamics of power in Italy and influenced the subsequent formation of medieval kingdoms.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Romulus Augustulus Declared Emperor of the West

October 31st, 475 1549 years ago

Romulus Augustulus was proclaimed the last Western Roman Emperor, continuing the line of emperors in the fragmented Western Roman Empire. His ascension marked a significant moment in late antiquity, as he was a child ruler placed on the throne amidst political instability and power struggles. The proclamation took place in Ravenna, a crucial city where the imperial court had settled, solidifying its status in the declining empire. Romulus was seen as a puppet by the powerful general Orestes, who had orchestrated his rise to power.

Continue Reading