1st Century BC - Events

Events

• 92 BC: Lucullus invades Armenia, setting off the centuries long Roman-Persian Wars.
• 81 BC: Sulla is appointed dictator of the Roman state, and brings about major reforms.
• 73 BC: A slave rebellion led by the escaped gladiator Spartacus leads to the Third Servile War.
• 63 BC: Pompey captures Jerusalem, and establishes Roman annexation of Judea as a client kingdom. He also permanently abolishes Seleucid Syria. King Judah Aristobulus II removed from power, while his brother John Hyrcanus II becomes king under Roman suzerainty.
• 57 BC: Silla is founded in southeastern Korea (traditional date according to Samguk Sagi, a 12th century historical document).
• 53 BC: The Parthians defeat the Romans under Crassus in the Battle of Carrhae.
• Mid 1st century BC – East torana of the Great Stupa at Sanchi, is made. Early Andhra period. According to an inscription, it is sculpted by ivory carvers from the nearby town of Vidisha.
• January 10, 49 BC: Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon river, precipitating war with Rome.
• 44 BC: Julius Caesar murdered.
• Second half of 1st century BC – Chaitya hall at Karli, India, Maharashtra, is made. Early Andhra period.
• 37 BC: Goguryeo is founded in southern Manchuria (traditional date according to Samguk Sagi).
• 31 BC: Roman Civil War: Battle of Actium—Off the western coast of Greece, forces of Octavian defeat troops under Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
• 27 BC: The Roman Senate votes Octavian the title of Augustus. Augustus eventually assumes all authority formerly held by the Roman senate becoming the first emperor. The Roman state is henceforth known as the Roman Empire, and the period from 27 BC to AD 305 as the Principate.
• 18 BC: Baekje is founded in midwestern Korea (traditional date according to Samguk Sagi).
• c. 6 BC – 4 BC: Birth of Jesus of Nazareth (see Chronology of Jesus' birth and death, Anno Domini, and Common Era for further details).
• Openwork box lid, from Cornalaragh County, Monaghan, Ireland, is made. La Tène period. (approximate date) It is now kept at National Museum of Ireland, Dublin.
• Late 1st century BC – Garden Scene, detail of a wall painting from the Villa of Livia at Prima Porta, is made. It is now kept at Museo Nazionale Romano, Rome.