PEOPLE WE SHOULD KNOW...

CONSTANTINE

A Roman emperor who reunited the Roman Empire under one ruler (at the time it was split under four rulers) and moved the capital from Rome to Constantinople. His rule marks the shift in history from ancient to medieval times.

SPARTACUS

A gladiator slave who escaped from captivity to lead a gladiator rebellion against the Roman Empire. Because Spartacus and his men stole weapons from a gladiator school, the school began only using wooden swords instead of real ones. Spartacus is the most famous gladiator in history because of his rebellion.

JULIUS CAESAR

A Roman military leader, politician, and historian who paved the way for Rome to move from a republic to an empire. Ruling as a dictator, Caesar changed the calendar system, rebuilt the city of Carthage, and created a police force. He was killed on March 15, a day known as the Ides of March, and his great-nephew, Augustus, then came to power as the first emperor.

HYPATIA

Hypatia was one of the earliest female mathematicians, philosophers, and astronomers in the ancient world. Born in Alexandria, Egypt (part of the Eastern Roman Empire), her life and work were heavily documented. She was the leading mathematician and astronomer of her time and experienced a high level of celebrity during her life.