Understanding the Roman Calendar and AUC Years

The ancient Roman calendar system was quite different from the modern Gregorian calendar we use today. If you were to ask an ancient Roman about the year 79 CE, they would refer to it as the year 832 AUC (Ab Urbe Condita—From the founding of the City)—a dating system based on the founding of the city of Rome in 753 BCE. This article explores the intricacies of this dating method and the significant historical event that transpired in this Roman year.

From 79 CE to 832 AUC: The Roman Calendar and Its Importance

The Roman calendar system was intricately linked to the founding of Rome. Events were often dated in terms of how many years had passed since the city was founded. The year 79 CE corresponds to the Roman year 832 AUC. This system provided a continuous dating mechanism that could be traced back to a clearly defined historical event.

The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 832 AUC: A Devastating Natural Disaster

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE is one of the most famous natural disasters in history. This cataclysmic event led to the burial and destruction of the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. In the Roman calendar, this disaster would have been categorized as a significant event that might be referenced in relation to the consulship and the reign of Emperor Vespasian.

Historical Context: Consular Year and Emperor Vespasian

During the year 79 CE, which was the consulship of Titus Flavius Sabinus II and Titus Vespasianus, Vesuvius erupted. If a Roman of that time were asked to describe when the eruption occurred, they might have said it happened in the consulship of Titus and Domitian. Vespasian, the Roman Emperor, had a significant reign during this period. He was succeeded by his son Titus, who ruled from 79–81 CE.

The Impact of the Eruption on Roman Life

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 832 AUC was not just a natural disaster but had a profound impact on Roman life. It affected not only the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum but also the political and social environment of the Roman Empire. Historical records, while lacking direct references to the eruption, often provide context through contemporary accounts by Pliny the Younger, who witnessed the events from a distance.

The Significance of AUC in Modern Historical Context

Understanding the Roman calendar and the AUC dating system helps us connect historical events with their exact chronological placement. This knowledge is crucial for historians and archaeologists who study the Roman Empire and its impact on later civilizations. The year 79 CE, as recorded in the AUC system, marks the beginning of a critical period in Roman history that forever changed the course of Mediterranean history.

In conclusion, the year 79 CE, or 832 AUC, is a significant year in both ancient Roman and modern historical contexts. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the concurrent consular year provide a window into the political and natural forces that shaped the Roman Empire and early modern Europe.