Ancient Coin Stories

Julius Caesar, during his campaigns in Greece, visits the sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidauros.

Gaius Octavius Thurinus (later Augustus) is born in Rome. He is the son of Gaius Octavius, a senator and governor, and Atia, the niece of Julius Caesar.

Death of Augustus‘ grandmother, Julia, who raised him. She was the sister of Julius Caesar.

Apameia on the Axios remains under siege by Julius Caesar until Cassius’ arrival.

Julius Caesar arrives in Alexandria and supports Kleopatra VII over her brother, Ptolemy XIII.

Julius Caesar visits the region following his victory over Pharnaces II (son of Mithridates VI) at the Battle of Zela (near modern-day Zile, close to Amaseia). He reportedly utters the famous phrase “Veni, vidi, vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered”) after his swift victory.

Amisos falls to Pharnakes II after a long resistance. Julius Caesar recognizes this and declares the city’s freedom.

Pompey forces Julius Caesar to retreat at the Battle of Dyrrhachion.

Julius Caesar, having been repulsed at Dyrrhachion, arrives at Gomphoi but they bar their gates. He takes the city by force.

Julius Caesar bestows benefactions on Ilion.

Julius Caesar founds a colony in Aesernia to house veterans of his conflict with Pompey.

Julius Caesar visits Aigai during his campaign in the east. He also visits Antioch and declares its freedom.

Julius Caesar lays siege to Alexandria.

Julius Caesar refounds Carthage as Colonia Julia Carthago, establishing it as a Roman colony and initiating new construction.

Octavius joins Julius Caesar in Hispania (Spain) during Caesar’s campaign against the sons of Pompey.

The inhabitants of Akragas receive full Roman citizenship after the death of Julius Caesar.

Julius Caesar refounds Corinth as a Roman colony, Colonia Laus Iulia Corinthiensis. Dyme is also refounded as a colony.

Julius Caesar is assassinated. In his will, Caesar adopts Octavius as his son and heir, naming him Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus (Octavian).