39 BC facts for kids
| Millennium: | 1st millennium BC |
|---|---|
| Centuries: | 2nd century BC – 1st century BC – 1st century |
| Decades: | 60s BC 50s BC 40s BC – 30s BC – 20s BC 10s BC 0s BC |
| Years: | 42 BC 41 BC 40 BC – 39 BC – 38 BC 37 BC 36 BC |
Year 39 BC was a time long ago, before the year 0. It was part of the Julian calendar, which was the way people kept track of days back then. This year was also known as the Year of the Consulship of Censorinus and Sabinus, named after two important Roman leaders called consuls.
Contents
Big Events of 39 BC
Roman Politics and Power
In 39 BC, important things happened in the Roman Republic. Powerful leaders were trying to control different parts of the world.
Mark Antony's Actions
Mark Antony was a very famous Roman general and politician. He sent another general, Publius Ventidius Bassus, with 11 legions (which were large groups of Roman soldiers). Their mission was to go to Asia Minor, a region that is now part of modern-day Turkey.
Publius Ventidius Bassus was successful! He managed to take back control of several important areas for Rome. These included Syria, Phoenicia (which is now part of Lebanon), and Judea (which is now part of Israel and Palestine). This helped Rome expand its power and influence in the eastern Mediterranean.
Sextus Pompey's Control
Another important figure at this time was Sextus Pompey. He was the son of Pompey the Great, a famous Roman general who had been a rival of Julius Caesar. Sextus Pompey had a strong navy and controlled several key islands and regions.
He controlled Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and the Peloponnese (a large peninsula in Greece). These areas were very important for trade and travel in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Pact of Misenum
Because Sextus Pompey was so powerful, the main Roman leaders had to make a deal with him. These leaders were part of a group called the Triumvirate. The Triumvirate was made up of three powerful men who ruled Rome together: Mark Antony, Octavian (who later became Emperor Augustus), and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus.
They signed an agreement called the Pact of Misenum. In this pact, the Triumvirate officially recognized Sextus Pompey's control over the areas he held. This agreement was an attempt to bring peace and stop the fighting that had been going on.
People Born in 39 BC
- Antonia Major: She was the daughter of the famous Roman general, Mark Antony.
- Julia the Elder: She was the daughter of Caesar Augustus, who would later become the first Roman Emperor.
People Who Died in 39 BC
- Quintus Labienus: He was a Roman general who fought against the Triumvirate.
