Directory

105 BCE

Gnaeus Mallius Maximus and Publius Rutilius Rufus become Roman consuls. The Battle of Arausio, where the Cimbri destroy two Roman armies on the Rhône, is the most severe defeat of Roman forces since the Battle of Cannae. The Han dynasty forms an alliance with the Wusun by marrying a Han princess to their king.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • January 1 – Gnaeus Mallius Maximus and Publius Rutilius Rufus become Roman consuls.source
  • The Han dynasty forms an alliance with the Wusun by marrying a Han princess to their king.source

Conflict & Security

  • October 6 – The Battle of Arausio, where the Cimbri destroy two Roman armies on the Rhône, is the most severe defeat of Roman forces since the Battle of Cannae.source
  • At Rome, the first official gladiator match is demonstrated by gladiators from Capua, as part of a training program for the military.source
  • Lucius Cornelius Sulla secures the capture of Jugurtha. His success is made possible by the treachery of Bocchus I, king of Mauretania, and this ends the Jugurthine War (which began in 112 BC).source
  • Gaius Marius, together with the consul Publius Rutilius Rufus, initiates sweeping reforms of the Roman army.source

Births

  • Marcus Atius Balbus, Roman praetor and governor (d. 51 BC)source
  • Decimus Laberius, Roman nobleman and Latin writer (d. 43 BC)source
  • Tiberius Claudius Nero, Roman politician and generalsource

Deaths

  • Marcus Aurelius Scaurus, Roman politician and general, executed as a prisoner of war in the advent of the Battle of Arausiosource
  • Wuwei Chanyu of the Xiongnu dies and is succeeded by his youthful son Er Chanyu. That winter heavy snowstorms lead to the deaths of many livestock, and there is discontent with the new ruler, who is regarded as belligerent.source