Year 15 BC
Year 15 BC is noted as a common year starting on either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, or as a leap year that starts on Wednesday in the Julian calendar, with sources differing on specifics (see leap year error for further information). In the Proleptic Julian calendar, it is recognized as a common year beginning on Monday. This year was historically referred to as the Year of the Consulship of Drusus and Piso, and it is also noted as year 739 Ab urbe condita. The designation of 15 BC has been in use since the early medieval period when the Anno Domini calendar era became the primary method for year designation in Europe.
Events
By Place
Roman Empire
During this year, the Raeti tribes of the Alps were conquered by Tiberius and Nero Claudius Drusus, leading to the establishment of the new Roman province of Raetia, with Chur (in modern-day Switzerland) designated as its capital. In a significant military engagement, Roman triremes obliterated the fleet of the Vindelici during the Battle of Lake Constance. Furthermore, Augsburg was founded as Augusta Vindelicorum, and Legio XXI Rapax was stationed at Regensburg within the new province.
Drusus undertook initiatives to enhance military access through the Alps for better control over Noricum and Raetia by constructing the Via Claudia Augusta across Italy.
Marcus Livius Drusus Libo and Lucius Calpurnius Piso served as Roman Consuls during this year.
Births
- May 24 – Germanicus, Roman general (d. AD 19)
- Alexander, Herodian prince of Judea
- Phaedrus, Roman fabulist and writer
Deaths
- Lucius Munatius Plancus, Roman consul (b. c. 87 BC)
- Vedius Pollio, Roman equestrian (friend of Augustus)