List of revolutions and rebellions


This is a list of revolutions, rebellions, insurrections, and uprisings.

BC

DateRevolution/RebellionLocationRevolutionaries/RebelsResultImageRef
c. 2730 BCESet rebellionEgyptPriests of HorusEgypt divides into Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt
c. 2690 BCNubian revolt EgyptNubiansPharaoh Khasekhemwy quashed the rebellion, reuniting Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt
c. 2380 BCSumerian revoltLagash, SumerSumeriansThe popular revolt deposed King Lugalanda and put the reformer Urukagina on the throne.
1046 BCBattle of Muye China ZhouEnd of the Shang dynasty; beginning of the Zhou dynasty
1042–1039 BCRebellion of the Three Guards ChinaThree Guards, separatists and Shang loyalistsDecisive Zhou loyalist victory, Fengjian system established, Resistance of Shang loyalists is broken.
842 BCCompatriots Rebellion ChinaPeasants and soldiersKing Li of Zhou was exiled and China was ruled by the Gonghe Regency until Li's death.
626–620 BCRevolt of Babylon Neo-Assyrian Empire Babylonians, led by NabopolassarThe Babylonians overthrew Assyrian rule, establishing the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which ruled over the Near East for about a century.
570 BCAmasis revolt EgyptEgyptian soldiersPharaoh Apries was overthrown and exiled, giving Amasis II the opportunity to seize the throne. Apries later attempted to retake Egypt, with Babylonian support, but was defeated and killed.
552–550 BCPersian RevoltPersis, MediaPersians, led by Cyrus the GreatMedian rule overthrown, Persis and Media become part of the new Achaemenid Empire
522 BCAnti-Achaemeneid Rebellions Achaemenid EmpireAssyrians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Elamites, Medians and ParthiansDarius the Great quashes all the rebellions within the space of a year.
510–509 BCRoman Revolution RomeRepublicansThe Roman monarchy was overthrown and in its place the Roman Republic was established.
508–507 BCAthenian Revolution AthensDemocratsThe Tyrant Hippias was deposed and the subsequent aristocratic oligarchy overthrown, establishing Democracy in Athens.
499–493 BCIonian RevoltIonia, Achaemenid EmpireGreeksThe Achaemenid Empire asserts its rule over the city states of Ionia.
494 BCFirst secessio plebis Roman RepublicPlebeiansPatricians freed some of the plebs from their debts and conceded some of their power by creating the office of the Tribune of the Plebs.
484 BCBel-shimanni's rebellionBabylon, Achaemenid Empire BabyloniansRebellion quickly defeated by Xerxes I.
482–481 BCShamash-eriba's rebellionBabylon, Achaemenid Empire BabyloniansRebellion eventually defeated by Xerxes I, Babylon's fortifications were destroyed and its temples were ransacked.
464 BCThird Messenian War SpartaMessenian HelotsSlave revolt put down by Archidamus II, who called Sparta to arms in the wake of an earthquake.
460–454 BCInaros' revoltEgypt, Achaemenid EmpireInaros II and his Athenian alliesDefeated by the Persian army led by Megabyzus and Artabazus, after a two-year siege. Inaros was captured and carried away to Susa where he was crucified.
449 BCSecond Secessio plebis Roman RepublicPlebeiansThe Senate forced the resignation of the Decemviri and restored both the office of Tribune of the Plebs and the right of appeal, which were suspended during the rule of the Decemvir.
445 BCThird Secessio plebis Roman RepublicPlebeiansIntermarriage between Patricians and Plebeians was legalized and the position of Consular Tribune was created.
351 BCPhoenician revolt of 351PhoeniciaTennes of Sidon, followed by rulers of Anatolia and CyprusDestruction of Sidon, execution of Tennes, and invasion of Egypt.
342 BCFourth Secessio plebis Roman RepublicPlebeians
287 BCFifth Secessio plebis Roman RepublicPlebeiansThe Lex Hortensia was implemented, establishing that the laws decided by the Plebeian Council were made binding on all Roman citizens, including patricians. This law finally eliminated the political disparity between the two classes, bringing the Conflict of Orders to an end after about two hundred years of struggle.
241 BCRevolt of the Falisci Roman RepublicFalisciThe Falisci were defeated and subjugated to Roman dominance, the town of Falerii was destroyed.
209 BCDazexiang uprising ChinaVillagers led by Chen Sheng and Wu GuangThe uprising was put down by Qin forces, Chen and Wu were assassinated by their own men.
206 BCLiu Bang's Insurrection ChinaHan forcesThe Qin dynasty is overthrown in a popular revolt and after a period of contention, Liu Bang is crowned Emperor of the Han dynasty.
205–185 BCGreat revolt of the EgyptiansEgypt, Ptolemaic KingdomEgyptians, led by Hugronaphor and AnkhmakisRevolt put down by the Ptolemaic Kingdom, cementing Greek rule over Egypt.
181–179 BCFirst Celtiberian WarHispania, Roman RepublicCeltiberiansRevolt eventually subdued by the Romans.
167–160 BCMaccabean RevoltJudea, Coele-Syria, Seleucid Empire Maccabees, led by Judas MaccabeusSovereignty of Judea is secured, eventually the independent Hasmonean dynasty is established.
154 BCRebellion of the Seven States ChinaPrincipalities led by Liu PiRebellion crushed after 3 months, further centralization of imperial power.
154–151 BCSecond Celtiberian WarHispania, Roman RepublicCeltiberiansRome increased its influence in Celtiberia
143–133 BCNumantine WarHispania, Roman RepublicCeltiberiansExpansion of the Roman territory through Celtiberia.
155–139 BCLusitanian WarLusitania, Roman RepublicLusitanians, led by Viriatus.Pacification of Lusitania
135–132 BCFirst Servile WarSicily, Roman RepublicSicilian slaves, led by EunusAfter some minor battles won by the slaves, a larger Roman army arrived in Sicily and defeated the rebels.
125 BCFregellae's revoltFregellae, Roman RepublicFregellaeansFregellae was captured and destroyed by Lucius Opimius
104–100 BCSecond Servile WarSicily, Roman RepublicSicilian slaves, led by Salvius TryphonThe revolt was quelled, and 1,000 slaves who surrendered were sent to fight against beasts in the arena back at Rome for the amusement of the populace. To spite the Romans, they refused to fight and killed each other quietly with their swords, until the last flung himself on his own blade.
91–88 BCSocial WarItaly, Roman RepublicItalic peoplesEventually resulted in a Roman victory. However, Rome granted Roman citizenship to all of its Italian allies, to avoid another costly war.
88 BCSulla's first march on RomeItaly, Roman RepublicPopularesThe Optimates were victorious and Sulla briefly took power in Rome.
82–81 BCSulla's civil warItaly, Roman RepublicPopularesThe Optimates were once again victorious and Sulla established himself as Dictator of Rome.
80–71 BCSertorian WarHispania, Roman RepublicPopularesThe war ended after the Populares leader Quintus Sertorius was assassinated by Marcus Perperna Vento, who was then promptly defeated by Pompey.
77 BCLepidus' rebellionItaly, Roman RepublicPopularesLepidus was defeated in battle and died from illness, other Populares fled to Spain to fight in the Sertorian War.
73–71 BCThird Servile WarItaly, Roman RepublicGladiators, led by SpartacusThe armies of Spartacus were defeated by the legions of Marcus Licinius Crassus.
65 BCFirst Catilinarian conspiracyRome, Roman RepublicCatilineLucius Aurelius Cotta and Lucius Manlius Torquatus remain in power as consuls.
62 BCSecond Catilinarian conspiracyRome, Roman RepublicCatilineThe plot was exposed, forcing Catiline to flee from Rome. Marcus Tullius Cicero and Gaius Antonius Hybrida remain in power as consuls.
52–51 BCGallic WarsGaulGauls, led by VercingetorixThe Gallic revolt was crushed by Julius Caesar
49–45 BCGreat Roman Civil War Roman RepublicPopulares, led by Julius CaesarCaesar defeated the Optimates, assumed control of the Roman Republic and became Dictator in perpetuity.
38 BCAquitanian revoltGallia Narbonensis, Roman RepublicMarcus Vipsanius AgrippaRevolt suppressed by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa.
29 BCTheban revoltThebes, Egypt, Roman RepublicEgyptiansRevolt suppressed by Cornelius Gallus

1–999 AD

DateRevolution/RebellionLocationRevolutionaries/RebelsResultImageRef
3–6Gaetulian WarMauretania, Roman EmpireGaetuliRevolt suppressed by Cossus Cornelius Lentulus
6Judas UprisingJudea, Roman EmpireZealots led by Judas of GalileeRiots against the Roman census erupt throughout the country, but others are convinced by the High Priest of Israel to obey the census.
6–9Bellum BatonianumIllyricum, Roman EmpireIllyrian tribesRevolt eventually suppressed by the Romans.
9–16Germanic revoltGermaniaAlliance of Germanic tribes, led by ArminiusThe Roman legions led by Publius Quinctilius Varus were defeated in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, temporarily halting further Roman occupation and colonization.
14Mutiny of the legionsGermania and Illyricum, Roman EmpireRoman legionsRevolt suppressed by Germanicus and Drusus Julius Caesar respectively
15–24Tacfarinas' revolt'Mauretania, Roman EmpireMusulamiiRevolt suppressed by Publius Cornelius Dolabella
17–23First Red Eyebrow RebellionChinaRed Eyebrow and Lulin rebelsXin dynasty overthrown and the Gengshi Emperor is instated on the throne.
24–27Second Red Eyebrow RebellionChinaRed Eyebrow rebelsRevolt suppressed by Liu Xiu's forces and the Eastern Han dynasty is established.
21Gaulish debtors' revoltGaul, Roman EmpireTreveri and AeduiThe Treveri revolt was put down by Julius Indus and the Aedui revolt was put down by Gaius Silius.
26Thracian revoltOdrysian kingdomThraciansRevolt suppressed by Gaius Poppaeus Sabinus.
28Revolt of the FrisiiFrisiaFrisiiThe Roman Empire is driven out of Frisia.
36Revolt of the CietaeCappadocia, Roman EmpireCietaeRebellion put down by Archelaus of Cilicia.
40–43Trung sisters' rebellionLĩnh NamVietnamese led by the Trung SistersAfter brief end to the Chinese domination of Vietnam">Qing dynasty">Chinese domination of Vietnam, the Han dynasty reconquers the country and begins the Second Chinese domination of Vietnam.
40–44Mauretanian revoltMauretania, Roman EmpireMauri led by Aedemon and SabalusRevolt suppressed by Gaius Suetonius Paulinus and Gnaeus Hosidius Geta, Mauretania is annexed directly into the empire and split into the Roman provinces of Mauretania Tingitana and Mauretania Caesariensis.
42Camillus' revoltDalmatia, Roman EmpireRoman legions led by Lucius Arruntius Camillus ScribonianusRebellion quickly collapses, Camillus flees to Vis where he takes his own life.
46–48Jacob and Simon uprisingGalilee, Judea, Roman EmpireZealotsRevolt suppressed, Jacob and Simon executed by Tiberius Julius Alexander.
60–61Boudican revoltNorfolk, Britain, Roman EmpireCeltic Britons led by BoudicaRevolt crushed by Gaius Suetonius Paulinus.
66–73First Jewish–Roman War Judean [provisional government (66–68)|Judea]Jewish peopleRevolt crushed by the Roman Empire, Jerusalem and the Second Temple are destroyed in the process.
68Vindex's RevoltGallia Lugdunensis, Roman EmpireGaius Julius VindexVindex was defeated in battle by Lucius Verginius Rufus and committed suicide.
69Colchis uprisingColchis, Roman EmpireAnicetusUprising put down by Roman forces.
69–70Revolt of the BataviBataviaBataviRevolt crushed by Quintus Petillius Cerialis and the Batavi again submitted to Roman rule, Batavia is incorporated into the Roman province of Germania Inferior.
89Revolt of SaturninusGermania Superior, Roman EmpireLucius Antonius SaturninusRevolt swiftly crushed by the Roman legions.
115–117Kitos WarEastern Mediterranean, Roman EmpireZealotsRevolt crushed by the Roman legions and its leaders executed.
117Mauretanian revoltMauretania, Roman EmpireMauriRevolt suppressed by Marcius Turbo
132–135Bar Kokhba revoltJudea, Roman EmpireJewish people led by Simon bar KokhbaAll-out defeat of the Jewish rebels, followed by wide-scale persecution and genocide of Jewish people and the suppression of Jewish religious and political autonomy.
172Bucolic warEgypt, Roman EmpireEgyptians led by IsidorusRevolt suppressed by Avidius Cassius
184–205Yellow Turban RebellionChinaYellow Turban Army led by Zhang JueThe uprising eventually collapsed and was fully suppressed by various warlords of the Eastern Han dynasty. However, the large devolution of power to regional warlords led to the collapse of the Han dynasty not long after.
185–205Heishan secessionTaihang Mountain, ChinaHeishan banditsThe autonomous confederacy eventually surrendered to the warlord Cao Cao.
185Roman mutinyBritain, Roman EmpireRoman legionsMutiny suppressed by Pertinax.
218Battle of AntiochAntioch, Syria, Roman EmpireElagabalusElagabalus overthrows Macrinus and is installed as Roman Emperor.
225–248Lady Triệu's uprisingVietnamVietnamese led by Lady TriệuAfter several months of warfare Lady Triệu was defeated and committed suicide. The Second Chinese domination of Vietnam continues.
227–228Xincheng RebellionCao Wei, ChinaMeng DaThe revolt was suppressed by Sima Yi, Meng Da was captured and executed.
251Wang Ling's RebellionShouchon, Cao Wei, ChinaWang LingWang Ling surrendered to the Wei forces and later committed suicide.
255Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin's RebellionShouchon, Cao Wei, ChinaGuanqiu Jian and Wen QinCao Wei is victorious, Guanqiu Jian is slain, Wen Qin and his family fled to Eastern Wu.
257–258Zhuge Dan's RebellionShouchon, Cao Wei, ChinaZhuge DanCao Wei is victorious and the Sima clan cements control over the Wei government until its eventual demise.
284–286Gallic peasants' rebellionGaul, Roman EmpireBagaudaeRebellion crushed by Caesar Maximian, though the Bagaudae movement would persist until the Fall of the Western Roman Empire.
286–296Carausian RevoltBritain and northern Gaul, Roman EmpireCarausius and AllectusRevolt suppressed, Britain and Gaul retaken.
291–306War of the Eight PrincesChinaPrinces of the Sima clanSima Yue wins the war and gains influence over the Jin emperor, but Jin authority in northern China severely weakened.
304–316Uprising of the Five BarbariansNorth and Southwest ChinaFive Barbarians Han-Zhao victory in northern China; Cheng-Han victory in southwestern China; Fall of the Western Jin dynasty in northern China; Formation of the Eastern Jin dynasty in southern China.
293Revolt of the ThebaidThebaid, Roman EmpireBusiris and QiftRevolt suppressed by Galerius.
351–352Jewish revolt against Constantius GallusSyria Palaestina, Roman EmpireJewish peopleThe Romans crush the revolt and destroy several Jewish cities.
398Gildonic WarAfrica, Western Roman EmpireComes GildoThe revolt was subdued by Flavius Stilicho.
484Justa uprisingSamaria, Byzantine Empire

1000–1499

DateRevolution/RebellionLocationRevolutionaries/RebelsResultImageRef
1034–1038Serb revolt against the Byzantine EmpireDuklja, Byzantine Empire

1500–1699

DateRevolution/RebellionLocationRevolutionaries/RebelsResultImageRef
1499–1501Rebellion of the AlpujarrasKingdom of GranadaMuslims of GranadaRebellion suppressed and mass forced conversions of all Muslims in Granada
1501–1503King Hans">Ensí">King HansKalmar UnionSwedish separatistsSeparatist victory, Kalmar Union de facto dissolved
1501–1504Alvsson's rebellion against King Hans of NorwayDenmark and NorwayNorwegian separatistsRebellion suppressed
1514Peasants' war led by György DózsaKingdom of HungaryPeasants led by György DózsaRebellion suppressed and György Dózsa was executed
1515Slovene [peasant revolt of 1515|Slovene peasant revolt]Holy Roman EmpirePeasantsRevolt put down by Holy Roman Empire mercenaries
1515–1523Arumer Zwarte HoopHabsburg NetherlandsFrisian rebels led by Pier Gerlofs Donia and Wijerd Jelckama.Rebellion suppressed
1516Trần Cảo RebellionLê dynasty Trần Cao rebelsRebellion suppressed. Lê dynasty weakened by ensuing civil war
1519–1523Revolt of the BrotherhoodsValenciaGermanies autonomist rebelsRebel leader L'Encobert killed and strongholds of the Germanies captured
1520–1522Revolt of the ComunerosRoyalist CastiliansComuneros rebelsRoyalist victory
1521–1522Santo Domingo RevoltFlag of Cross of Burgundy.svg

1850–1899

1900s

1910s

1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s