My Cultural Timeline of the World continues:

1 – 250 AD

14 AD — Death of Emperor Augustus (Octavian)

26-34 AD — Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

41 AD — Caligula is assassinated by the Roman Senate

79 AD — Destruction of Pompeii by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The entire city was buried by lava and tons of ash, preserving this time capsule of Roman life.

Pompeii Ruins

Even the people were preserved in ash, in the positions they were in when overcome.

Casts of Pompeii People

The ruins were first discovered in 1599. It has been a tourist attraction for over 250 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

80 AD — The Colosseum* is completed in Rome, Italy. This huge arena was the site of chariot races, gladiator battles, and other gory forms of entertainment. It has become a symbol of Rome and also of the Roman Empire. This sight and many others have been incorporated into Gary’s Walking Tour of Rome, available for sale on the website for just $1.49.  *= UNESCO World Heritage Site

95 AD — The Roman Aqueduct at Segovia*, Spain was built. This sight and many others have been incorporated into Gary’s Walking Tour of Segovia, available for sale on the website for just $1.49. *= UNESCO World Heritage Site

Segovia Aqueduct

117 AD — The Celsius Library at Ephesus* was built. It was one of the three (3) foremost libraries of the Ancient World (along with Pergamum and Alexandria). *= UNESCO World Heritage Site

Celsius Library

122 AD — Hadrian’s Wall* is constructed as a defense against incursions by the barbaric Scots in northern England. *= UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hadrian’s Wall

The wall is 73 miles long and is punctuated with forts where troops were housed. It was approximately 3 meters wide and 5-6 meters high.

126 AD — Roman Emperor Hadrian completes the Pantheon* in Rome. It is now considered the best preserved ancient building and is still used for religious services.

Pantheon, Rome

The interior contains an osculum which allows ambient light to flood the building. This and other major tourist attractions in Rome have been incorporated into Gary’s Walking Tour of Rome, available for sale on the website for just $1.49. *= UNESCO World Heritage Site

Inside the Pantheon

138 AD — Death of Hadrian

200 AD — The Mayan city of Tikal* becomes one of the most powerful kingdoms in Mesoamerica. It is located in the northern part of what is now Guatemala. *= UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tikal Temple

203 AD — The Roman Hippodrome* is constructed in what is now Istanbul, Turkey. Several obelisks mark the site of the ancient oval, used for chariot races and other public activities. The Hippodrome and other major tourist attractions in Istanbul have been incorporated into Gary’s Walking Tour of Istanbul, available for sale on the website for just $1.49. *= UNESCO World Heritage Site

Egyptian Obelisk in Hippodrome