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46 BC : Rome –Cesar is appointed dictator and assumes total control from the Senate. On a charge that he intends to make himself king, he is killed on the Ides of March 44 BC by a group of leadership led by Brutus and Cassius.

42 BC: Having learning of Cesar’s death while stationed in Gaul, Octavian returns to Rome to collect his inheritance as sole heir to his granduncle’s empire. Upon his arrival he aligns himself with two of Caesar’s friends, Mark Anthony and Lepidus, in an attempt to overthrow the aristocratic group responsible for Caesar’s murder. Octavian and his allies defeat Brutus and Cassias near Philippi. Following the victory, a quarrel develops between Octavian and his forces in the west and Mark Anthony and his new ally, Cleopatra queen of Egypt.

31 BC Rome: Anthony and Cleopatra are defeated by Octavian, ensuring the prosperity of Greek ideals. His victory begins a new Roman era. The Senate and army bestows the name of Augustus and emperor (victorious general) upon Octavian, and he is commonly referred to as Augustus. Having gained more land for Rome than any other ruler before him, Augustus dies in 14 CE with his rule lasting 44 years.

1 CE ROME: Around this time the birth of Jesus of Nazareth in Judea.

10 CE ROME: The apostle Paul a Jew from the city of Tarsus in Asia Minor, follows Jesus teaching and the gospel is being spread throughout the Mediterranean region. Paul explains that salvation is through Jesus Christ the son of God who was crucified for the remission of mankind sins.

14 CE ROME: With the exception of Claudius’ rule and his conquest of Britain in 43 CE the period between the death of Augustus and the rule of Nerva is a period without competent rulers. Caligula and Nero are two brutal tyrants who contributed to the violence in Rome. Nero killed thousands of Christians by burning their bodies, feeding them to the lions for public spectacle, and using them as human torches for the lighting of events such as sports etc.

20-200 CE ROME: For almost two centuries, philosophy, literature, architecture, art and engineering thrived in the Roman world. The most influential thought during that time was a interest in STOICISM. The Roman STOICS were interested in politics and ethics with heavy emphasis on religious values. The ultimate goal of Roman STOICISM is inner peace and an awareness that true happiness is found in submission to the order of universe.

180 CE ROME: With the death of STOIC Emporor Marcus Aurelius (the author of “THE MEDITATIONS” remember Paul said they are forever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth!!!!!!

This period is considered the beginning of the decline of the Roman Empire.

Though the first four of the “five good emperors” choose primising men to succeed their rule, different sects of the Roman army raise their own candidates and civil war breaks out.

193 CE ROME: The first ruler resulting from the civil wars is Septimus Severus who serves as military dictator until in death in 211 CE.

204 CE ROME: Plotinus, the father of NEOPLATONISM develops a philosophy out of PLOTONISM, ARISTOTELIANISM and STOICISM that resembles ORIENTAL MYSTICISM.

His work influenced Augustin in 354 CE (later names St Augustin) This work or writings were called the Enneads, and were arranged in groups of nine by one of Plotinus’s students. Plotinus’s thoughts influenced Augustin who was also influenced by Christian thinking as well. These two teachings were also influential to the Renaissance humanist. Plotinus taught in Rome until his death in 270 CE.

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This site was last updated Thursday April 01, 2004 10:47:00 PM -0500