Century

2nd Century

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Events

2nd Century Timeline

All Centuries

113

Culture 2nd Century Europe

Trajan's Column Dedicated in Rome

Emperor Trajan's victories in two wars against Dacia brought extensive territory and wealth into the Roman Empire. The Senate commissioned a monumental column in Trajan's new forum to commemorate those campaigns and the immense construction work required to reshape the site. Dedicated on May 12, 113, the marble column carried a spiraling sculpted narrative showing Roman armies marching, building, negotiating, and fighting. Its pedestal inscription honored Trajan while noting the height of the hill removed for the forum complex. The monument joined architecture, political commemoration, and an unusually detailed visual account of Roman military activity.

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161

Politics 2nd Century Europe

Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus Become Co-Emperors

Following the death of Emperor Antoninus Pius, his adoptive sons assumed power in Rome. Marcus Aurelius, known for his philosophical writings, and Lucius Verus shared rule for the first time in Roman history. This arrangement came amid ongoing threats from Parthian forces in the east and Germanic tribes along the northern frontiers. The co-emperors divided responsibilities, with Verus leading campaigns while Aurelius managed administration and later philosophy. Their joint reign lasted until Verus's death in 169, after which Aurelius ruled alone during turbulent years of plague and war.

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192

Politics 2nd Century Europe

Roman Emperor Commodus Assassinated

By late 192, Commodus had alienated senators and senior members of his own household through executions, erratic rule, and his public identification with Hercules and the arena. A court conspiracy formed around his chamberlain Eclectus, his mistress Marcia, and the praetorian prefect Laetus after members of the household reportedly learned that they faced death. On December 31, an attempt to poison Commodus failed, after which the wrestler Narcissus strangled him in his bath. Officials concealed the death long enough to arrange the accession of Pertinax. The killing ended Commodus's reign and the line of emperors associated with the Antonine dynasty.

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193

Politics 2nd Century Europe

Septimius Severus Proclaimed Roman Emperor

The murder of Pertinax and the Praetorian Guard's elevation of Didius Julianus destabilized the Roman Empire in 193. Septimius Severus, governor of Upper Pannonia and commander of powerful Danubian legions, emerged as one of several provincial generals able to challenge the government in Rome. On April 9, his troops proclaimed him emperor at Carnuntum. Severus marched rapidly into Italy, won recognition from the Senate, and displaced Julianus before turning against the rival claimants Pescennius Niger and Clodius Albinus. The proclamation began a prolonged struggle rather than an immediate, uncontested succession.

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197

Military 2nd Century Europe

Septimius Severus Wins Battle of Lugdunum

After defeating Pescennius Niger in the east, Septimius Severus moved against Clodius Albinus, his remaining rival for control of the Roman Empire. Albinus drew support from forces based in Britain and Gaul and established himself at Lugdunum, modern Lyon. On February 19, 197, their large armies fought a destructive civil battle near the city. Ancient accounts describe hard fighting and reversals before Severus's forces prevailed; Albinus died after the defeat. The victory left Severus as the empire's sole ruler and brought severe reprisals against prominent senatorial supporters of his rival.

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