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Born Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BCE), Julius Caesar was one the most infamous figures in history. A Roman politican, general and author, he played a critical role in the fall of the Roman Republic and paved the way for the rise of the Roman Empire. His political alliance alongside Crassus and Pompey, first formed in 60 BCE, would dominate Roman politics for many years. His victories in the Gallic Wars extended the Republic's territories all the way to the English Channel and the Rhine, and he became the first Roman general to build a bridge across the Rhine, as well as starting the invasion of Britain.<br/><br/> With these achievements under his belt, he amassed unmatched military power to himself, soon eclipsing his political ally Pompey. The Senate, also fearful of his growing power, demanded he step down from military command and return to Rome, which he refused, and marked his defiance by crossing the Rubicon with a legion in 49 BCE, illegally entering Roman Italy with an army and causing a civil war that he quickly crushed.<br/><br/> Taking control of the government, Caesar began implementing various social and political changes, declaring himself 'dictator in perpetuity'. The Senate still held much contempt for him however, and during the Ides of March (15 March) 44 BCE, Caesar was assassinated by a conspiracy of rebellious senators led by former friend and ally, Marcus Junius Brutus. A new string of civil wars ensued, ultimately concluding with Julius Caesar's adopted heir, Octavian, emerging victorious and becoming emperor.
Valens (328-378) was the brother of Valentinian, and lived in his brother's shadow for many years. When his brother was appointed emperor in 364 CE, he chose Valens to serve as co-emperor, obtaining the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. Valens made Constantinople his capital.<br/><br/> Valens was soon presented with a usurper named Procopius in 365, a surviving relative of Emperor Julian who proclaimed himself emperor in Constantinople while Valens was away. He managed to defeat Procopius in the spring of 366, executing the usurper. He then warred against the revolting Goths, before heading back east to face the Sassanid Empire. A resurgent Gothic presence, alongside Huns and Alans, led to the commencement of the Gothic War, after an attempted resettlement of Goths had resulted in them revolting in 377.<br/><br/> Rather than wait for his nephew and co-emperor Gratian to arrive with reinforcements as advised by many, Valens marched out on his own. Valens was struck down during the decisive but avoidable Battle of Adrianople. He was known by some as the 'Last True Roman', and the battle that resulted in his death was considered the beginning of the collapse of the decaying Western Roman Empire.
Valens (328-378) was the brother of Valentinian, and lived in his brother's shadow for many years. When his brother was appointed emperor in 364 CE, he chose Valens to serve as co-emperor, obtaining the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. Valens made Constantinople his capital.<br/><br/> Valens was soon presented with a usurper named Procopius in 365, a surviving relative of Emperor Julian who proclaimed himself emperor in Constantinople while Valens was away. He managed to defeat Procopius in the spring of 366, executing the usurper. He then warred against the revolting Goths, before heading back east to face the Sassanid Empire. A resurgent Gothic presence, alongside Huns and Alans, led to the commencement of the Gothic War, after an attempted resettlement of Goths had resulted in them revolting in 377.<br/><br/> Rather than wait for his nephew and co-emperor Gratian to arrive with reinforcements as advised by many, Valens marched out on his own. Valens was struck down during the decisive but avoidable Battle of Adrianople. He was known by some as the 'Last True Roman', and the battle that resulted in his death was considered the beginning of the collapse of the decaying Western Roman Empire.
Crispus (299/305-326) was the first-born son and initial heir to Emperor Constantine I and his first wife Minervina. When his father had to eventually put aside Minervina to marry Fausta for political reasons, he did not dismiss his son but continued to care for him and would have named Crispus his heir.<br/><br/> Crispus was declared as Caesar in 317, a prince of the empire, and was made commander of Gaul. He led many victorious military campaigns against the Alamanni and Franks, securing the Roman presence in Gaul and Germania. He also fought alongside his brother against the hostile Emperor Licinius, building upon his already illustrious reputation with even more outstanding victories. Crispus was loved by many, almost as admired and revered as Constantine himself.<br/><br/> However, in a shocking turn of events Crispus was executed on the orders of his father in 326. It is unknown what truly was the cause for such action, but the execution of Fausta only a few months later has led many historians to link the two, whether it be a conspiracy against Crispus by Fausta to ensure her own sons became heirs or, less likely, that there had been an illegitimate love affair between the two that Constantine had discovered. Either way, Crispus was killed and his name never mentioned again, deleted from all official documents and monuments.
Philip the Arab (204-249), 33rd Roman emperor, from the book <i>Romanorvm imperatorvm effigies: elogijs ex diuersis scriptoribus per Thomam Treteru S. Mariae Transtyberim canonicum collectis</i>, c. 1583.<br/><br/> Marcus Julius Philippus (204-249), commonly known as Philip the Arab, was born in the Roman province of Arabia, in what is now Syria. He rose to power during the last years of Emperor Gordian III's reign, due to the machinations of his brother, Gaius Julius Priscus, who was an important member of the Praetorian Guard. Gordian III's death in 244 resulted in Philip's accession to the imperial throne.
Born Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus, Caligula was the nephew and adopted son of Emperor Tiberius, making him part of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. He earned the nickname 'Caligula' (little solder's boot) while accompanying his father, Germanicus, during his campaigns in Germania.<br/><br/> His mother, Agrippina the Elder, became entangled in a deadly feud with Emperor Tiberius that resulted in the destruction of her family and leaving Caligula the sole male survivor. After Tiberius' death in 37 CE, Caligula succeeded his grand uncle as emperor. Surviving sources of his reign are few and far between, but he is often described as initially being a noble and moderate ruler before descending into tyranny, cruelty, sadism, extravagance and sexual perversity.<br/><br/> Caligula was eventually assassinated in 41 CE by a conspiracy of courtiers, senators and officers within his own Praetorian Guard, who murdered him and his family. Attempts by some of the conspirators to re-establish the Roman Republic were thwarted when the Praetorian Guard immediately decalared Caligula's uncle, Claudius, the new emperor.
Born Tiberius Claudius Nero, son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla, he became step-son of Octavian (later to become Augustus, first emperor of Rome) after his mother was forced to divorce Nero and marry him.<br/><br/> Tiberius would eventually marry Augustus' daughter from his previous marriage, Julia the Elder, and later be adopted by Augustus, officially becoming a Julian, bearing the name Tiberius Julius Caesar.<br/><br/> In relations to the other emperors of this dynasty, Tiberius was the stepson of Augustus, grand-uncle of Caligula, paternal uncle of Claudius, and great-grand uncle of Nero.<br/><br/> Tiberius was one of Rome's greatest generals, with his conquest of Pannonia, Dalmatia, Raetia, and temporarily, parts of Germania, creating the foundations for the empire's northern frontier. However, he came to be known as a dark, reclusive, and sombre ruler who never really desired to be emperor; Pliny the Elder called him <i>tristissimus hominum</i>, 'the gloomiest of men'.
Born Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BCE), Julius Caesar was one the most infamous figures in history. A Roman politican, general and author, he played a critical role in the fall of the Roman Republic and paved the way for the rise of the Roman Empire. His political alliance alongside Crassus and Pompey, first formed in 60 BCE, would dominate Roman politics for many years. His victories in the Gallic Wars extended the Republic's territories all the way to the English Channel and the Rhine, and he became the first Roman general to build a bridge across the Rhine, as well as starting the invasion of Britain.<br/><br/> With these achievements under his belt, he amassed unmatched military power to himself, soon eclipsing his political ally Pompey. The Senate, also fearful of his growing power, demanded he step down from military command and return to Rome, which he refused, and marked his defiance by crossing the Rubicon with a legion in 49 BCE, illegally entering Roman Italy with an army and causing a civil war that he quickly crushed.<br/><br/> Taking control of the government, Caesar began implementing various social and political changes, declaring himself 'dictator in perpetuity'. The Senate still held much contempt for him however, and during the Ides of March (15 March) 44 BCE, Caesar was assassinated by a conspiracy of rebellious senators led by former friend and ally, Marcus Junius Brutus. A new string of civil wars ensued, ultimately concluding with Julius Caesar's adopted heir, Octavian, emerging victorious and becoming emperor.
Born Tiberius Claudius Nero, son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla, he became step-son of Octavian (later to become Augustus, first emperor of Rome) after his mother was forced to divorce Nero and marry him.<br/><br/> Tiberius would eventually marry Augustus' daughter from his previous marriage, Julia the Elder, and later be adopted by Augustus, officially becoming a Julian, bearing the name Tiberius Julius Caesar.<br/><br/> In relations to the other emperors of this dynasty, Tiberius was the stepson of Augustus, grand-uncle of Caligula, paternal uncle of Claudius, and great-grand uncle of Nero.<br/><br/> Tiberius was one of Rome's greatest generals, with his conquest of Pannonia, Dalmatia, Raetia, and temporarily, parts of Germania, creating the foundations for the empire's northern frontier. However, he came to be known as a dark, reclusive, and sombre ruler who never really desired to be emperor; Pliny the Elder called him <i>tristissimus hominum</i>, 'the gloomiest of men'.
Philip II (238-249), also known as Philippus II and Philip the Younger, was the son and heir to Emperor Philip I, or Philip the Arab. When Philip I became emperor in 244, Philip II was appointed Caesar, and served as consul in 247. His father eventually elevated him to Augustus and co-emperor some time later.<br/><br/> Philip I was killed in battle with rival claimant Decius in 249, and when news of his death reached Rome the Praetorian Guard murdered Philip II. It was said that he died in his mother's arms, aged only eleven.
Marcus Julius Philippus (204-249 CE), commonly known as Philip the Arab, was born in the Roman province of Arabia, in what is now Syria. He rose to power during the last years of Emperor Gordian III's reign, due to the machinations of his brother, Gaius Julius Priscus, who was an important member of the Praetorian Guard.<br/><br/> Gordian III's death in 244 resulted in Philip's accession to the imperial throne. He quickly concluded a peace treaty with Shapur I of Persia, ruler of the Sassanid Empire, and rushed back to Rome to secure his position with the Roman Senate. Rome celebrated its one thousandth birthday under Philip's reign, with massive celebrations and commemorative coins to mark the occasion.<br/><br/> His frivolous spending, as well as the massive tribute owed to the Sassanids, meant that Philip was severely short of money, something he tried to rectify through much higher levels of taxation as well as ceasing to pay the Germanic tribes north of the Danube to keep the peace along the Empire's frontiers. His excessive taxation and refusal to pay the tribes would come to haunt him later however, as mass revolts and foreign invasions occurred across the Empire. Philip was eventually killed in 249, either from fighting or assassination by his own soldiers.
Crispus (299/305-326) was the first-born son and initial heir to Emperor Constantine I and his first wife Minervina. When his father had to eventually put aside Minervina to marry Fausta for political reasons, he did not dismiss his son but continued to care for him and would have named Crispus his heir.<br/><br/> Crispus was declared as Caesar in 317, a prince of the empire, and was made commander of Gaul. He led many victorious military campaigns against the Alamanni and Franks, securing the Roman presence in Gaul and Germania. He also fought alongside his brother against the hostile Emperor Licinius, building upon his already illustrious reputation with even more outstanding victories. Crispus was loved by many, almost as admired and revered as Constantine himself.<br/><br/> However, in a shocking turn of events Crispus was executed on the orders of his father in 326. It is unknown what truly was the cause for such action, but the execution of Fausta only a few months later has led many historians to link the two, whether it be a conspiracy against Crispus by Fausta to ensure her own sons became heirs or, less likely, that there had been an illegitimate love affair between the two that Constantine had discovered. Either way, Crispus was killed and his name never mentioned again, deleted from all official documents and monuments.
Of Thraco-Roman origin, Maximinus Thrax (173-238 CE) was a child of low birth, and was seen by the Senate as a barbarian and not a true Roman, despite Caracalla's Antonine Constitution granting citizenship to all freeborn citizens of the Empire. A career soldier, Maximinus rose through the ranks until he commanded a legion himself. He was one of the soldiers who were angered by Emperor Severus Alexander's payments to the Germanic tribes for peace, and plotted with them to assasinate the emperor in 235 CE.<br/><br/> The Praetorian Guard declared Maximinus emperor after the act, a choice that was only grudgingly confirmed by the Senate, who were disgusted at the idea of a peasant becoming emperor. Maximinus despised the nobility, and was heavy-handed in dealing with anyone suspected of plotting against him. In 238 CE, revolt arose in the province of Africa during his reign, with the governor Gordian I and his son, Gordian II, declared co-emperors. The Roman Senate quickly switched allegiance and acknowledged the claim of the Gordians. Maximinus immediately marched on Rome to deal with the Senatorial uprising.<br/><br/> The Gordians were swiftly defeated and died after less than a month of being co-emperors, with the Senate becoming divided on how to act, some preferring Gordian's grandson, Gordian III, while others elected two of their own, Pupienus and Balbinus, as co-emperors. Rome became engulfed in severe riots and street fighting. Maximinus died before he reached Rome, assassinated by his own soldiers during the siege of Aquileia. Pupienus and Balbinus became undisputed co-emperors. Maximinus' reign is often seen as the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, which would see the Roman Empire almost collapse from internal unrest, economic disaster and foreign invasions.
Valens (328-378) was the brother of Valentinian, and lived in his brother's shadow for many years. When his brother was appointed emperor in 364 CE, he chose Valens to serve as co-emperor, obtaining the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. Valens made Constantinople his capital.<br/><br/> Valens was soon presented with a usurper named Procopius in 365, a surviving relative of Emperor Julian who proclaimed himself emperor in Constantinople while Valens was away. He managed to defeat Procopius in the spring of 366, executing the usurper. He then warred against the revolting Goths, before heading back east to face the Sassanid Empire. A resurgent Gothic presence, alongside Huns and Alans, led to the commencement of the Gothic War, after an attempted resettlement of Goths had resulted in them revolting in 377.<br/><br/> Rather than wait for his nephew and co-emperor Gratian to arrive with reinforcements as advised by many, Valens marched out on his own. Valens was struck down during the decisive but avoidable Battle of Adrianople. He was known by some as the 'Last True Roman', and the battle that resulted in his death was considered the beginning of the collapse of the decaying Western Roman Empire.
Born Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus, Caligula was the nephew and adopted son of Emperor Tiberius, making him part of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. He earned the nickname 'Caligula' (little solder's boot) while accompanying his father, Germanicus, during his campaigns in Germania.<br/><br/> His mother, Agrippina the Elder, became entangled in a deadly feud with Emperor Tiberius that resulted in the destruction of her family and leaving Caligula the sole male survivor. After Tiberius' death in 37 CE, Caligula succeeded his grand uncle as emperor. Surviving sources of his reign are few and far between, but he is often described as initially being a noble and moderate ruler before descending into tyranny, cruelty, sadism, extravagance and sexual perversity.<br/><br/> Caligula was eventually assassinated in 41 CE by a conspiracy of courtiers, senators and officers within his own Praetorian Guard, who murdered him and his family. Attempts by some of the conspirators to re-establish the Roman Republic were thwarted when the Praetorian Guard immediately decalared Caligula's uncle, Claudius, the new emperor.
Constantius II (317-361) was Emperor Constantine I's third son, and became co-emperor alongside his brothers Constantine II and Constans as well as his cousins Dalmatius and Hannibalianus after his father's death in 337. Constantius soon ordered a great purge of his cousins and other members of the imperial family, ensuring that power remained with himself and his brothers.<br/><br/> With the partitioning of the empire, Constantius received the eastern provinces and resumed war against the Sassanid Empire, repelling the invasions of the Persian king, Shapur II. Though he non-violently clashed with his brother Constantine II over religious issues and conflicting views over the Christian Church, he had no part to play in the war between Constantine II and Constans that led to the former's death in 340 and gave Constans sole rule over two-thirds of the empire.<br/><br/> When Constans was assassinated by the usurper Magnentius in 350, Constantius warred against him, feeling the position of emperor was his alone. The Battle of Mursa Major was considered one of the bloodiest and largest battles ever between two Roman armies, and resulted in a costly victory for Constantius. Magnentius eventually committed suicide in 353, and Constantius became sole ruler of the Roman Empire.<br/><br/> While he was busy fighting a resurgent Sassanid invasion, he was also beset by the revolt of his cousin Julian, whom he had named Caesar. Constantius II died as he was marching to face Julian in 361, and declared Julian his rightful successor on his deathbed.
Gaius Julius Verus Maximus (217/220-238), sometimes known incorrectly as Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus or Maximinus the Younger, was the son of Thraco-Roman Emperor Maximinus Thrax. Maximus was appointed as Caesar in 236, but held little real power until he was murdered alongside his father in 238 by the Praetorian Guard, during the Siege of Aquileia.
Valens (328-378) was the brother of Valentinian, and lived in his brother's shadow for many years. When his brother was appointed emperor in 364 CE, he chose Valens to serve as co-emperor, obtaining the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. Valens made Constantinople his capital.<br/><br/> Valens was soon presented with a usurper named Procopius in 365, a surviving relative of Emperor Julian who proclaimed himself emperor in Constantinople while Valens was away. He managed to defeat Procopius in the spring of 366, executing the usurper. He then warred against the revolting Goths, before heading back east to face the Sassanid Empire. A resurgent Gothic presence, alongside Huns and Alans, led to the commencement of the Gothic War, after an attempted resettlement of Goths had resulted in them revolting in 377.<br/><br/> Rather than wait for his nephew and co-emperor Gratian to arrive with reinforcements as advised by many, Valens marched out on his own. Valens was struck down during the decisive but avoidable Battle of Adrianople. He was known by some as the 'Last True Roman', and the battle that resulted in his death was considered the beginning of the collapse of the decaying Western Roman Empire.
Of Thraco-Roman origin, Maximinus Thrax (173-238 CE) was a child of low birth, and was seen by the Senate as a barbarian and not a true Roman, despite Caracalla's Antonine Constitution granting citizenship to all freeborn citizens of the Empire. A career soldier, Maximinus rose through the ranks until he commanded a legion himself. He was one of the soldiers who were angered by Emperor Severus Alexander's payments to the Germanic tribes for peace, and plotted with them to assasinate the emperor in 235 CE.<br/><br/> The Praetorian Guard declared Maximinus emperor after the act, a choice that was only grudgingly confirmed by the Senate, who were disgusted at the idea of a peasant becoming emperor. Maximinus despised the nobility, and was heavy-handed in dealing with anyone suspected of plotting against him. In 238 CE, revolt arose in the province of Africa during his reign, with the governor Gordian I and his son, Gordian II, declared co-emperors. The Roman Senate quickly switched allegiance and acknowledged the claim of the Gordians. Maximinus immediately marched on Rome to deal with the Senatorial uprising.<br/><br/> The Gordians were swiftly defeated and died after less than a month of being co-emperors, with the Senate becoming divided on how to act, some preferring Gordian's grandson, Gordian III, while others elected two of their own, Pupienus and Balbinus, as co-emperors. Rome became engulfed in severe riots and street fighting. Maximinus died before he reached Rome, assassinated by his own soldiers during the siege of Aquileia. Pupienus and Balbinus became undisputed co-emperors. Maximinus' reign is often seen as the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, which would see the Roman Empire almost collapse from internal unrest, economic disaster and foreign invasions.
Of Thraco-Roman origin, Maximinus Thrax (173-238 CE) was a child of low birth, and was seen by the Senate as a barbarian and not a true Roman, despite Caracalla's Antonine Constitution granting citizenship to all freeborn citizens of the Empire. A career soldier, Maximinus rose through the ranks until he commanded a legion himself. He was one of the soldiers who were angered by Emperor Severus Alexander's payments to the Germanic tribes for peace, and plotted with them to assasinate the emperor in 235 CE.<br/><br/> The Praetorian Guard declared Maximinus emperor after the act, a choice that was only grudgingly confirmed by the Senate, who were disgusted at the idea of a peasant becoming emperor. Maximinus despised the nobility, and was heavy-handed in dealing with anyone suspected of plotting against him. In 238 CE, revolt arose in the province of Africa during his reign, with the governor Gordian I and his son, Gordian II, declared co-emperors. The Roman Senate quickly switched allegiance and acknowledged the claim of the Gordians. Maximinus immediately marched on Rome to deal with the Senatorial uprising.<br/><br/> The Gordians were swiftly defeated and died after less than a month of being co-emperors, with the Senate becoming divided on how to act, some preferring Gordian's grandson, Gordian III, while others elected two of their own, Pupienus and Balbinus, as co-emperors. Rome became engulfed in severe riots and street fighting. Maximinus died before he reached Rome, assassinated by his own soldiers during the siege of Aquileia. Pupienus and Balbinus became undisputed co-emperors. Maximinus' reign is often seen as the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, which would see the Roman Empire almost collapse from internal unrest, economic disaster and foreign invasions.
Of Thraco-Roman origin, Maximinus Thrax (173-238 CE) was a child of low birth, and was seen by the Senate as a barbarian and not a true Roman, despite Caracalla's Antonine Constitution granting citizenship to all freeborn citizens of the Empire. A career soldier, Maximinus rose through the ranks until he commanded a legion himself. He was one of the soldiers who were angered by Emperor Severus Alexander's payments to the Germanic tribes for peace, and plotted with them to assasinate the emperor in 235 CE.<br/><br/> The Praetorian Guard declared Maximinus emperor after the act, a choice that was only grudgingly confirmed by the Senate, who were disgusted at the idea of a peasant becoming emperor. Maximinus despised the nobility, and was heavy-handed in dealing with anyone suspected of plotting against him. In 238 CE, revolt arose in the province of Africa during his reign, with the governor Gordian I and his son, Gordian II, declared co-emperors. The Roman Senate quickly switched allegiance and acknowledged the claim of the Gordians. Maximinus immediately marched on Rome to deal with the Senatorial uprising.<br/><br/> The Gordians were swiftly defeated and died after less than a month of being co-emperors, with the Senate becoming divided on how to act, some preferring Gordian's grandson, Gordian III, while others elected two of their own, Pupienus and Balbinus, as co-emperors. Rome became engulfed in severe riots and street fighting. Maximinus died before he reached Rome, assassinated by his own soldiers during the siege of Aquileia. Pupienus and Balbinus became undisputed co-emperors. Maximinus' reign is often seen as the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, which would see the Roman Empire almost collapse from internal unrest, economic disaster and foreign invasions.
Pompeia (1st Century BCE) was the second wife of Julius Caesar. The two were married in 67 BCE, after Caesar's first wife Cornelia had died the year previous. Not much is known about her, aside from the controversial events surrounding her hosting the festival of the Bona Dea ('good goddess') in 62 BCE, a festival which men were not permitted to attend. Despite this, a young patrician named Publius Clodius Pulcher snuck in disguised as a woman, supposedly to try to seduce Pompeia. He was caught and prosecuted for sacrilege, and Caesar divorced Pompeia, uttering 'my wife ought not even to be under suspicion', which gave rise to the proverb 'Caesar's wife must be above suspicion'.
Born Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BCE), Julius Caesar was one the most infamous figures in history. A Roman politican, general and author, he played a critical role in the fall of the Roman Republic and paved the way for the rise of the Roman Empire. His political alliance alongside Crassus and Pompey, first formed in 60 BCE, would dominate Roman politics for many years. His victories in the Gallic Wars extended the Republic's territories all the way to the English Channel and the Rhine, and he became the first Roman general to build a bridge across the Rhine, as well as starting the invasion of Britain.<br/><br/> With these achievements under his belt, he amassed unmatched military power to himself, soon eclipsing his political ally Pompey. The Senate, also fearful of his growing power, demanded he step down from military command and return to Rome, which he refused, and marked his defiance by crossing the Rubicon with a legion in 49 BCE, illegally entering Roman Italy with an army and causing a civil war that he quickly crushed.<br/><br/> Taking control of the government, Caesar began implementing various social and political changes, declaring himself 'dictator in perpetuity'. The Senate still held much contempt for him however, and during the Ides of March (15 March) 44 BCE, Caesar was assassinated by a conspiracy of rebellious senators led by former friend and ally, Marcus Junius Brutus. A new string of civil wars ensued, ultimately concluding with Julius Caesar's adopted heir, Octavian, emerging victorious and becoming emperor.
Milonia Caesonia (- 41 CE) was a Roman empress and the fourth wife of Caligula. Little is written about her, though she is described as neither beautiful nor young, with a reckless extravagance and uncontrolled wantonness, and that she was loved devotedly and passionately by Caligula. Some stories claim that Caligula would often parade Caesonia in front of his troops, and sometimes would parade her naked in front of select friends. Caesonia and her daughter, Julia Drusilla, were murdered hours after Caligula's assassination.
Born Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus, Caligula was the nephew and adopted son of Emperor Tiberius, making him part of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. He earned the nickname 'Caligula' (little solder's boot) while accompanying his father, Germanicus, during his campaigns in Germania.<br/><br/> His mother, Agrippina the Elder, became entangled in a deadly feud with Emperor Tiberius that resulted in the destruction of her family and leaving Caligula the sole male survivor. After Tiberius' death in 37 CE, Caligula succeeded his grand uncle as emperor. Surviving sources of his reign are few and far between, but he is often described as initially being a noble and moderate ruler before descending into tyranny, cruelty, sadism, extravagance and sexcual perversity.<br/><br/> Caligula was eventually assassinated in 41 CE by a conspiracy of courtierts, senators and officers within his own Praetorian Guard, who murdered him and his family. Attempts by some of the conspirators to re-establish the Roman Republic were thwarted when the Praetorian Guard immediately decalared Caligula's uncle, Claudius, the new emperor.
The Aceh War, also known as the Dutch War or the Infidel War (1873–1914), was an armed military conflict between the Sultanate of Aceh and the Netherlands which was triggered by discussions between representatives of Aceh and the United Kingdom in Singapore during early 1873.<br/><br/> The war was part of a series of conflicts in the late 19th century that consolidated Dutch rule over modern-day Indonesia.
Julius Martov or L. Martov, real name Yuli Osipovich Zederbaum (November 24, 1873 – April 4, 1923) was born in Istanbul in 1873.<br/><br/> The son of Jewish middle class parents, he became the leader of the Mensheviks in early twentieth century Russia.<br/><br/> This image, taken by Nadezhda Konstantinovna Krupskaya (1869-1939) at St Petersburg in 1897, shows (left to right) standing: A.L. Malchenko, P. K. Zaporozhets, A. A. Vaneyev; and seated: V. V. Starkov, G. M. Krzhizhanovsky, V. I. Ulyanov (Lenin) and Julius Martov.
Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt was a Prussian geographer, naturalist, and explorer, and the younger brother of the Prussian minister, philosopher and linguist Wilhelm von Humboldt (1767–1835). Humboldt's quantitative work on botanical geography laid the foundation for the field of biogeography.<br/><br/> Between 1799 and 1804, Humboldt travelled extensively in Latin America, exploring and describing it for the first time from a modern scientific point of view. His description of the journey was written up and published in an enormous set of volumes over 21 years. He was one of the first to propose that the lands bordering the Atlantic Ocean were once joined (South America and Africa in particular).<br/><br/> Later, his five-volume work, Kosmos (1845), attempted to unify the various branches of scientific knowledge. Humboldt supported and worked with other scientists, including Joseph-Louis Gay-Lussac, Justus von Liebig, Louis Agassiz, Matthew Fontaine Maury, Georg von Neumayer, and most notably, Aimé Bonpland, with whom he conducted much of his scientific exploration.
Philip II (238-249), also known as Philippus II and Philip the Younger, was the son and heir to Emperor Philip I, or Philip the Arab. When Philip I became emperor in 244, Philip II was appointed Caesar, and served as consul in 247. His father eventually elevated him to Augustus and co-emperor some time later.<br/><br/> Philip I was killed in battle with rival claimant Decius in 249, and when news of his death reached Rome the Praetorian Guard murdered Philip II. It was said that he died in his mother's arms, aged only eleven.
Born Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus, Caligula was the nephew and adopted son of Emperor Tiberius, making him part of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. He earned the nickname 'Caligula' (little solder's boot) while accompanying his father, Germanicus, during his campaigns in Germania.<br/><br/> His mother, Agrippina the Elder, became entangled in a deadly feud with Emperor Tiberius that resulted in the destruction of her family and leaving Caligula the sole male survivor. After Tiberius' death in 37 CE, Caligula succeeded his grand uncle as emperor. Surviving sources of his reign are few and far between, but he is often described as initially being a noble and moderate ruler before descending into tyranny, cruelty, sadism, extravagance and sexual perversity.<br/><br/> Caligula was eventually assassinated in 41 CE by a conspiracy of courtiers, senators and officers within his own Praetorian Guard, who murdered him and his family. Attempts by some of the conspirators to re-establish the Roman Republic were thwarted when the Praetorian Guard immediately decalared Caligula's uncle, Claudius, the new emperor.
Gaius Julius Verus Maximus (217/220 - 238), sometimes known incorrectly as Gaius Julius Verus Maximinus or Maximinus the Younger, was the son of Thraco-Roman Emperor Maximinus Thrax. Maximus was appointed as Caesar in 236, but held little real power until he was murdered alongside his father in 238 by the Praetorian Guard, during the Siege of Aquileia.
Julius Martov or L. Martov, real name Yuli Osipovich Zederbaum (November 24, 1873 – April 4, 1923) was born in Istanbul in 1873.<br/><br/> The son of Jewish middle class parents, he became the leader of the Mensheviks in early twentieth century Russia.
Constantius II (317-361) was Emperor Constantine I's third son, and became co-emperor alongside his brothers Constantine II and Constans as well as his cousins Dalmatius and Hannibalianus after his father's death in 337. Constantius soon ordered a great purge of his cousins and other members of the imperial family, ensuring that power remained with himself and his brothers.<br/><br/> With the partitioning of the empire, Constantius received the eastern provinces and resumed war against the Sassanid Empire, repelling the invasions of the Persian king, Shapur II. Though he non-violently clashed with his brother Constantine II over religious issues and conflicting views over the Christian Church, he had no part to play in the war between Constantine II and Constans that led to the former's death in 340 and gave Constans sole rule over two-thirds of the empire.<br/><br/> When Constans was assassinated by the usurper Magnentius in 350, Constantius warred against him, feeling the position of emperor was his alone. The Battle of Mursa Major was considered one of the bloodiest and largest battles ever between two Roman armies, and resulted in a costly victory for Constantius. Magnentius eventually committed suicide in 353, and Constantius became sole ruler of the Roman Empire.<br/><br/> While he was busy fighting a resurgent Sassanid invasion, he was also beset by the revolt of his cousin Julian, whom he had named Caesar. Constantius II died as he was marching to face Julian in 361, and declared Julian his rightful successor on his deathbed.
Of Thraco-Roman origin, Maximinus Thrax (173 - 238 CE) was a child of low birth, and was seen by the Senate as a barbarian and not a true Roman, despite Caracalla's Antonine Constitution granting citizenship to all freeborn citizens of the Empire. A career soldier, Maximinus rose through the ranks until he commanded a legion himself. He was one of the soldiers who were angered by Emperor Severus Alexander's payments to the Germanic tribes for peace, and plotted with them to assasinate the emperor in 235 CE.<br/><br/> The Praetorian Guard declared Maximinus emperor after the act, a choice that was only grudgingly confirmed by the Senate, who were disgusted at the idea of a peasant becoming emperor. Maximinus despised the nobility, and was heavy-handed in dealing with anyone suspected of plotting against him. In 238 CE, revolt arose in the province of Africa during his reign, with the governor Gordian I and his son, Gordian II, declared co-emperors. The Roman Senate quickly switched allegiance and acknowledged the claim of the Gordians. Maximinus immediately marched on Rome to deal with the Senatorial uprising.<br/><br/> The Gordians were swiftly defeated and died after less than a month of being co-emperors, with the Senate becoming divided on how to act, some preferring Gordian's grandson, Gordian III, while others elected two of their own, Pupienus and Balbinus, as co-emperors. Rome became engulfed in severe riots and street fighting. Maximinus died before he reached Rome, assassinated by his own soldiers during the siege of Aquileia. Pupienus and Balbinus became undisputed co-emperors. Maximinus' reign is often seen as the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century, which would see the Roman Empire almost collapse from internal unrest, economic disaster and foreign invasions.
Julius Martov or L. Martov, real name Yuli Osipovich Zederbaum (November 24, 1873 – April 4, 1923) was born in Istanbul in 1873.<br/><br/> The son of Jewish middle class parents, he became the leader of the Mensheviks in early twentieth century Russia.
Born Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus, Caligula was the nephew and adopted son of Emperor Tiberius, making him part of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. He earned the nickname 'Caligula' (little solder's boot) while accompanying his father, Germanicus, during his campaigns in Germania.<br/><br/> His mother, Agrippina the Elder, became entangled in a deadly feud with Emperor Tiberius that resulted in the destruction of her family and leaving Caligula the sole male survivor. After Tiberius' death in 37 CE, Caligula succeeded his grand uncle as emperor. Surviving sources of his reign are few and far between, but he is often described as initially being a noble and moderate ruler before descending into tyranny, cruelty, sadism, extravagance and sexual perversity.<br/><br/> Caligula was eventually assassinated in 41 CE by a conspiracy of courtiers, senators and officers within his own Praetorian Guard, who murdered him and his family. Attempts by some of the conspirators to re-establish the Roman Republic were thwarted when the Praetorian Guard immediately decalared Caligula's uncle, Claudius, the new emperor.
The burning bush is an object described by the Book of Exodus (3:1-21) as being located on Mount Sinai; according to the narrative, the bush was on fire, but was not consumed by the flames, hence the name.<br/><br/> In the narrative, the burning bush is the location at which Moses was appointed by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into Canaan.