Alexandria Wyckoff
Ancient Rome is one of the most famous periods in history, marked by a strong military, advanced engineering, dictators, emperors, and thinkers who influenced law, language, and government. Among the massive republic were a few figures who stood out, whether they led the empire itself or played a part in its history. Keep reading to learn more about these six famous people from Ancient Rome.
6. Crassus
Starting our list of famous people from Ancient Rome is Crassus. Marcus Licinius Crassus was a noble and very rich Roman. He became famous in 71 BC for repressing Spartacus’s slave revolt. Later, as a proconsul in Syria, Crassus organized a military expedition against the Parthians, which ended in a disastrous defeat in Carrhae. He also lost his life in the battle.
5. Nero
Fifth on our list of famous people from Ancient Rome is Nero Claudius Drus us Germanicus Caesar. Nero became emperor in 54 AD. After a brief initial period of peaceful leadership, Nero quickly devolved into tyrannical practices in his aim to turn Rome into an absolutist monarchy. After a series of conspiracies and a revolt by his own governors, Nero committed suicide in 68 AD. Nero is also known for the fire in 64 AD, which destroyed most of Rome.
4. Augustus
Next on our list of famous people from Ancient Rome is Caesar Octavianus Augustus. Born as Octavian, Augustus was the son of a rich Roman banker until his great-uncle Julius Caesar adopted him and made him his heir. After Caesar’s death, Octavian formed an army to battle against Mark Antony, who took over control of Rome. The two ended the dispute in an agreement to share control of the Roman Empire. After turning against Antony due to Cleopatra, Octavian was given the name Augustus and became Rome’s first emperor. He expanded Rome’s territory and restored buildings, while also building roads to the outskirts of the empire.
3. Cleopatra
Rounding out the top three famous people from Ancient Rome was Cleopatra. Though she was actually the queen of Egypt during the Roman rule, she quickly became linked to Roman history through her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Julius Caesar helped place her on the throne after she was dispossessed by her husband and brother, Tolomeus Dionysius. After Caesar’s death, Cleopatra married Mark Antony and fought against Octavian. After she was defeated, she committed suicide by allowing a venomous snake to bite her.
2. Mark Antony
Second on our list of famous people from Ancient Rome is Mark Antony. Antony was Caesar’s grandson and lieutenant. He constituted the second triumvirate with Lepidus and Octavian, leading to the division of the Roman territories, in which the Eastern regions were assigned to Antony. He later fell in love with Cleopatra, leading to a conflict with the Senate and Octavian. When Antony and Cleopatra lost the war, he committed suicide in Alexandria in 30 BC.
1. Julius Caesar
Last but not least on our list of famous people from Ancient Rome is Julius Caesar. One of the most recognizable figures from the Roman period, Caesar was a great military leader and won many battles that resulted in him being the sole ruler of Rome. With the riches from his war exploits, Caesar began a series of legislative reforms and built many important monuments such as Caesar’s Forum, Basilica Julia, Curia, and Saepta Julia. However, he was involved in a fatal conspiracy hatched by Brutus and Cassius. After his death, Caesar was nominated a god and venerated in a temple built on the site of his cremation.