1st century BC Facts for Kids

Millennium:	1st millennium BC
Centuries:	2nd century BC · 1st century BC · 1st century AD
Decades:	90s BC 80s BC 70s BC 60s BC 50s BC 40s BC 30s BC 20s BC 10s BC 0s BC
Categories:	Births – Deaths Establishments – Disestablishments

The 1st century BC was a really important time in history! It started on January 1, 100 BC and finished on December 31, 1 BC. You might also hear it called the last century BC. When we talk about years like BC (Before Christ) or AD (Anno Domini), there isn't a "year zero." But in science, sometimes they use a minus sign, so '2 BC' would be like 'year −1'. This century saw huge changes, especially for the Roman Republic and the rise of powerful leaders.

What Happened in the 1st Century BC?
- The Roman Republic's Big Changes
  - Important Roman Leaders and Events
- Important People in Other Parts of the World
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What Happened in the 1st Century BC?

This century was a time of big changes and exciting events, especially in the Roman world and China. Powerful leaders emerged, and empires grew and shifted.

The Roman Republic's Big Changes

The Roman Republic was going through a tough time. There were many arguments and even wars between different groups of powerful Romans. This period is often called the Crisis of the Roman Republic.

Important Roman Leaders and Events

Sulla's March on Rome: Around 88 BC, a powerful Roman general named Sulla marched his army into Rome. This was a very unusual and serious event. It showed how much power generals had gained.
The Rise of Pompey and Julius Caesar: Two other famous generals, Pompey the Great and Julius Caesar, became very powerful. They were part of a group called the First Triumvirate, which also included Marcus Licinius Crassus. They tried to share power, but it didn't last.
Julius Caesar's Conquests: Julius Caesar led his armies to conquer Gaul (which is now mostly France). He became incredibly popular and powerful because of his military success.
Caesar Crosses the Rubicon: In 49 BC, Caesar made a huge decision. He led his army across a small river called the Rubicon into Italy. This was an act of war against the Roman Senate and started a civil war.
The End of Caesar: After winning the civil war, Julius Caesar became the most powerful person in Rome. However, some Roman senators worried he was becoming too much like a king. They assassinated him in 44 BC.
The Rise of Augustus: After Caesar's death, there was more civil war. Eventually, Caesar's adopted son, Octavian (later known as Augustus), won. He became the first Roman Emperor, marking the end of the Roman Republic and the start of the Roman Empire.
Cleopatra and Rome: Cleopatra VII was the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. She had relationships with both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, trying to keep Egypt independent. But after Augustus defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra, Egypt became part of the Roman Empire.

Important People in Other Parts of the World

While Rome was busy, other parts of the world also had important leaders and events.

Mithridates VI of Pontus: He was a powerful king who fought several wars against Rome. He tried to stop Rome from expanding into his kingdom in Asia Minor.
Tigranes the Great: The king of Armenia, he built a large empire that stretched across parts of the Middle East. He also fought against the Romans.
Maues: A king of the Indo-Scythian kingdom in ancient India. His coins show a mix of Greek and Indian cultures.
Huo Guang: A very influential official in the Han Dynasty of China. He served as a regent for young emperors and had a lot of power in the government.
Sima Qian: A famous Chinese historian. He wrote a massive book called the Records of the Grand Historian, which covers over 2,000 years of Chinese history. It's still an important source today!