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Rome Defeats Carthage in the Punic Wars (264-146 BCE)

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Rome Defeats Carthage in the Punic Wars (264-146 BCE)

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The Punic Wars began when Rome violated a treaty with Carthage which stated that Rome would not invade Sicily. The first war ended in Roman victory because of their more advanced technology such as grappling hooks. The second war began when Hannibal wanted to seek revenge on Rome and did so by invading from the north through the Alps. After Hannibal and his army invaded Rome on Elephants they successfully terrorized the Roman country side for ten years, until, Rome directly invaded Carthage and therefore, Hannibal and his Army were forced to retreat and eventually lost the war. The third war was a direct attack on the declining Carthage by Rome, were Rome won and destroyed Carthage completely.

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Julius Caesar had just won a Civil War in Rome and claimed himself to be Dictator. Because of all of the influence that Caesar was gaining, senate members worried that he was becoming too powerful. Therefore, members of the senate attacked Caesar and stabbed him 27 times to his death. The death of Julius Caesar created a power struggle and chaos in Rome, eventually leading to the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire.

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Octavian Caesar Becomes First Emperor (27 BCE)

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Octavian Caesar Becomes First Emperor (27 BCE)

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Octavian Caesar was the great nephew of Julius Caesar and also inherited everything from Julius Caesar. Octavian was a part of the Second Triumvirate and eventually obtained all of the power over Rome and declared himself Emperor. Octavian Caesars gaining power marks the beginning of the Roman Empire and the Pax Romana.

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The Pax Romana was a 200 year era of peace in Rome and Europe. This period of peace was brought on by the change of Rome from a Republic to an Empire. Notable Emperors from this era include Augustus, Tiberius, and Marcus Aurelius.

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Collapse of the Western Roman Empire (180 CE)

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Collapse of the Western Roman Empire (180 CE)

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Emperor Diocletian of Rome divided the Roman Empire into Eastern (Greek speaking) and Western (Latin speaking) halves. Due to lack of patriotism, corruption, and dishonorable politicians, the Western Roman Empire had a very weak administration. Economically, the Empire was suffering from hyper inflation, lack of precious metals, and unstable trade. Additionally, the Western Roman population was declining, suffering from diseases, and in poverty. Overall, all of these factors contributed to the weakening of the Western Roman Empire and the Empire was eventually invaded by Germanic tribes.

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Justinian I was one of the most influential Byzantine Emperors. He expanded trade through Europe, Asia, and Africa. Finally, Justinian I codified Roman law to apply to the Byzantine Empire called Justinian's Code.

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The Islamic Schism was a divide in the Islamic Religion caused by the death of the prophet Muhammad. Muslims split into two separate groups called the Sunni and the Shi'a. The Sunni believe that anyone can be the Caliph if they are elected to serve, however, the Sha'i believe that for someone to qualify as a Caliph they must be related to Muhammad.

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Three Expansions of the Islamic Empires - First (622-632 CE) Second (632-661 CE) Third (661-750 CE)

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Three Expansions of the Islamic Empires - First (622-632 CE) Second (632-661 CE) Third (661-750 CE)

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The first expansion of the Islamic Empires included part of Arabia and the Red Sea. The second expanded from parts of the area which would have been Carthage and most of Persia. The third and final expansion of the Islamic Empires spanned from Spain to the Indus River.

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Muslim Armies Defeated at the Battle of Tours (732 CE)

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Muslim Armies Defeated at the Battle of Tours (732 CE)

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The Battle of Tours was a battle fought by Frankish and Islamic forces as Islamic forces tried to advance into Europe. The Franks were led by Charles Martel and they were victorious. This battle was decisive in stopping the spread of Islam into Europe.

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Ghana rose to power due to its location and natural resources. It was located next to the Sahara Desert and connected Savannah to the Sahara Desert. The Empire held wealth and political power in the Sub-Saharan region.

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The Great Schism - Divide of Christianity (1054 CE)

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The Great Schism - Divide of Christianity (1054 CE)

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The Great Schism was caused by cultural and political disagreements along with differences in iconography. Christianity was split in the Roman Catholic Church where the Pope holds all of the power and the Greek Orthodox Church where the Patriarch holds the most power. The basic beliefs and principles of both churches are the same, however they do have some distinct differences.

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Mali was established as a major power in West Africa after ending the dominance of Ghana. After Ghana, Mali controlled the gold and salt trade routes. Mali was also home to one of richest rulers to ever live, Mansa Musa.

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Fall of Baghdad to the Mongols (1258 CE)

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Fall of Baghdad to the Mongols (1258 CE)

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The capital of the Islamic Empires, Baghdad, was captured and partially destroyed. The Mongols took over Baghdad. This event is regarded as the end of the Islamic Golden Age.

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Mansa Musa is regarded as the richest man alive ever. His wealth was accumulated by the natural resources available: salt and gold. Mansa Musa's wealth is a reflection of the Empire that he controlled due to its prosperity.

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Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The Empire began to decline due to its loss of Jerusalem, Egypt, and North Africa. Eventually Constantinople was permanently conquered by the Ottoman Turks.

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Songhai's prosperity can be attributed to its strategic location on the Niger river and its prominence in the Trans-Saharan trade. Like Ghana and Mali, Songhai controlled the trade for gold and salt. The cultural and commerce center of Songhai was the city of Timbuktu.