1.
1st millennium
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The first millennium was a period of time that began on January 1, AD1, and ended on December 31, AD1000, of the Julian calendar. It was the first period of one years in the Anno Domini or Common Era. In Europe and the Mediterranean, the first millennium was a time of great transition, the 1st century saw the peak of the Roman Empire, followed by its gradual decline during the period of Late Antiquity, the rise of Christianity and the Great Migrations. In Arabia, in the century, a man called Muhammad became the leader. After his death, his companions extended the religion, in East Asia, the first millennium was also a time of great cultural advances, notably the spread of Buddhism to East Asia. In China, the Han dynasty is replaced by the Jin dynasty and later the Tang dynasty until the 10th century sees renewed fragmentation in the Five Dynasties, in Japan, a sharp increase in population followed when farmers use of iron tools increased their productivity and crop yields. In South Asia, the Indian subcontinent was divided among numerous kingdoms throughout the first millennium, in Mesoamerica, the first millennium was a period of enormous growth known as the Classic Era. Teotihuacan grew into a metropolis and its empire dominated Mesoamerica, in South America, pre-Incan, coastal cultures flourished, producing impressive metalwork and some of the finest pottery seen in the ancient world. In North America, the Mississippian culture rose at the end of the millennium in the Mississippi, numerous cities were built, Cahokia, the largest, was based in present-day Illinois, and may have had 30,000 residents at its peak about 1250 AD. The circumference of the 10-story-high Monks Mound at Cahokia was larger than that of the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan or the Great Pyramid in Egypt
2.
1st century
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The 1st century was the century that lasted from AD1 to AD100 according to the Julian calendar. It is often written as the 1st century AD or 1st century CE to distinguish it from the 1st century BC which preceded it, the 1st century is considered part of the Classical era, epoch, or historical period. During this period Europe, North Africa and the Near East fell under increasing domination by the Roman Empire, the reforms introduced by Augustus during his long reign stabilized the empire after the turmoil of the previous centurys civil wars. Later in the century the Julio-Claudian dynasty, which had been founded by Augustus, the Roman Empire generally experienced a period of prosperity and dominance in this period and the First Century is remembered as part of the Empires golden age. The 1st Century saw the appearance of Christianity, China continued to be dominated by the Han Dynasty, despite a fourteen-year interruption by the Xin dynasty under Wang Mang. Han rule was restored in AD23, Wang Mangs rule represents the watershed between the Western/Former Han and the Eastern/Later Han, the capital was also moved from Changan to Luoyang. Western Asia, Roman and Parthian Empires, Sabaean and Arabian Kingdoms, southeast Asia, Mandala of city-states, Kingdom of Funan East Asia, Han Dynasty, Yamatai, Xiongnu and Xianbei tribal chiefdoms, Three Kingdoms of Korea. North America, Central America, Mayan, Teotihuacan and Zapotec civilizations, caribbean, South America, Nazca, Moche civilizations, Tairona tribal chiefdoms. Early 1st century – Augustus of Primaporta, is made and it is now kept in Musei Vaticani, Braccio Nuovo, Rome. Early 1st century – Gemma Augustea is made and it is now kept at Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. Early 1st century – House of the Silver Wedding, Pompeii, is built, excavated in 1893, the year of the silver wedding anniversary of Italys King Humbert and his wife, Margherita of Savoy, who have supported archaeological fieldwork at Pompeii. Early 1st century - Inner shrine, Ise, Mie, Mie Prefecture, is built, AD1, Lions became extinct in Western Europe. AD2, First Census of China, the census is one of the most accurate in Chinese history, AD7, Prince Cunobeline of Catuvellauni defeats the Trinovantes in England and establishes his capital at Camulodunum. AD9, Three Roman legions were ambushed and destroyed at Teutoberg Forest by Germans under the leadership of Arminius, AD9, Prince Cunobeline is crowned King of Catuvellauni, his Kingdom dominates Southern England. AD 9–23, Wang Mang temporarily overthrew the Han dynasty of China, AD14, Augustus Caesar, first emperor of Rome, dies. His adopted son, stepson and son-in-law Tiberius is his successor, AD25, The Han dynasty is restored by Liu Xiu who proclaims himself Emperor Guangwu of Han. AD 28–75, Emperor Ming of Han, Buddhism reaches China, humans arrive on Pentecost Island and establish the Bunlap tribe, among others. AD29, Jesus begins his ministry, AD33, The Crucifixion of Jesus
3.
2nd century
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The 2nd century is the period from 101 to 200 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Common Era. It is considered part of the Classical era, epoch, or historical period, early in the century, the Roman Empire attained its greatest expansion under the emperor Trajan, but after his death became primarily defensive for the rest of its history. Much prosperity took place throughout the empire at this time, ruled as it were by the Five Good Emperors and this period also saw the removal of the Jews from Jerusalem during the reign of Hadrian after Bar Kokhbas revolt. This set in motion its ultimate decline, until it was overthrown in 220, AD96 –180, Five Good Emperors of Rome, Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius. 101 –102,105 –106, The Dacian Wars, after two conflicts, Dacia is annexed as a Roman province. 114 –116, A war with Parthia results in Armenia and Mesopotamia being temporarily annexed into the Roman Empire,115 –117, Kitos War, adjunct to the Jewish–Roman wars. 122 –132, Hadrians Wall across Northern England,127 –163, Kanishka, Kushan Ruler. 132 –135, Bar Kokhbas revolt against Rome,132, Chinese chronicles described the existence of diplomatic relations between Java and China. 140 –180, Huvishka, Kushan ruler,142, The Antonine Wall is built across central Scotland. 144, Marcion, rejected by Church of Rome, founds Marcionism,161 –166, Roman–Parthian War of 161–166. 165 –180, The Antonine Plague in Rome,180 –192, Commodus, Roman Emperor. 184 –205, The Yellow Turban Rebellion of the Han Dynasty in China begins,184 –189, The Liang Province Rebellion breakouts in Northwest China. 189 –220, The End of the Han dynasty,190 –191, Warlords across China launches a Campaign against Dong Zhuo. 193, Roman Year of the Five Emperors,193 –211, Septimius Severus, Roman Emperor. Herakleitos makes The Unswept Floor, mosaic variant of a 2nd-century BC painting by Sosos of Pergamon and it is now kept at the Musei Vaticani, in Rome. 2nd or 3rd century – Standing Buddha, from Gandhara, is made and it is now kept at Lahore Museum, Lahore. Nagarjuna, founder of Madhyamaka Buddhism Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, Zhang Heng, Chinese statesman, poet, inventor, astronomer, geographer, and engineer. Zhang Jue, Chinese rebel leader Zhang Zhongjing, one of the most famous Chinese physicians during Han Dynasty, ptolemy compiles a catalogue of all stars visible to the naked eye
4.
3rd century
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The 3rd century was the period from 201 to 300 A. D. In this century, the Roman Empire saw a crisis, marking the beginning of Late Antiquity, in Persia, the Parthian Empire was succeeded by the Sassanid Empire. In India, the Kushan Empire was replaced by the Gupta Empire, China was in the Three Kingdoms period. The Xiongnu formed the Tiefu state under Liu Qubei, Korea was ruled by the Three Kingdoms of Korea. At about this time in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Bantu expansion reached Southern Africa, in Pre-Columbian America, the Adena culture of the Ohio River valley declined in favor of the Hopewell culture. The Maya civilization entered its Classic Era, after the death of Commodus in the previous century the Roman Empire was plunged into a civil war. When the dust settled, Septimius Severus emerged as emperor, establishing the Severan dynasty, unlike previous emperors, he openly used the army to back his authority, and paid them well to do so. The regime he created is known as the Military Monarchy as a result, the majority of these men were assassinated, or killed in battle, and the empire almost collapsed under the weight of the political upheaval, as well as the growing Persian threat in the east. Under its new Sassanid rulers, Persia had grown into a superpower. These reforms were finally realized late in the century under the reign of Diocletian, one of them being to divide the empire into an eastern and western half, early 3rd century – Burial in catacombs becomes common place. 208, the Chinese naval Battle of Red Cliffs occurs,211 –217, Caracalla, Roman Emperor. 212, Constitutio Antoniniana grants citizenship to all free Roman men,212 –217, Baths of Caracalla. 220, The Han Dynasty comes to an end with establishment of the Three Kingdoms in ancient China,220 –280, The Three Kingdoms period. 222 –235, Alexander Severus, Roman Emperor,224, Ardashir I of the Sassanid dynasty conquers the Parthian empire at the Battle of Hormozdgān. 230 –232, Sassanid dynasty of Persia launches a war to reconquer lost lands in the Roman east,234, Zhuge Liang dies of illness at the standoff of Wuzhang Plains. 235 –284, Crisis of the Third Century shakes Roman Empire,244, Battle of Xingshi in China. 250 –538, Kofun era, the first part of the Kofun period in Japan,260, Roman Emperor Valerian I is taken captive by Shapur I of Persia. 263, Cao Wei conquers the Shu Han Kingdom,265, The Jin Dynasty is founded after the overthrow of the Cao Wei Dynasty by Sima Yan
5.
160s
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The Antonine Wall is retaken by Roman legions. In Rome, the manufacturing of soap containing grease, lime, appian writes Ρωμαικα, known in English as the Roman History, in which he includes the history of each nation conquered up until the moment of its conquest. The first Buddhist monks arrive in China, march 7 Emperor Antoninus Pius dies and is succeeded by Marcus Aurelius who shares imperial power with Lucius Verus, although Marcus retains the title Pontifex Maximus. Marcus Aurelius, a Spaniard like Trajan and Hadrian, is a stoical, disciple of Epictetus, and he pursues the policy of his predecessor and maintains good relations with the Senate. As a legislator, he endeavours to create new principles of morality and humanity, particularly favouring women, the weight of a goldpiece, the aureus, is reduced from 7.81 grams under Aurelius to 7.12 grams. Autumn The Parthians invade Armenia and install their own candidate on the throne, destruction of a legion, perhaps Legio IX Hispana at Elegia. The silver content of the Roman denarius falls to 68 percent under emperor Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus begins a war with the Parthians, due to the invasion of Syria and Armenia by Vologases IV of Parthia. The Antonine Wall is largely decommissioned, arrian publishes Indica, a work on India and its people. Statius Priscus reconquers Armenia, Artaxata is ruined, the governor of Syria, Avidius Cassius, one of Lucius Verus generals, crosses the Euphrates and invades Parthian territory. Ctesiphon is captured by the Romans, but returned to the Parthians after the end of the war, the Antonine Wall in Scotland is abandoned by the Romans. A law is passed protecting property brought into a marriage by the wife, Marcus Aurelius gives his daughter Lucilla in marriage to his co-emperor Lucius Verus. Seleucia on the Tigris is destroyed, a Roman military operation under Avidius Cassius is successful against Parthia, capturing Artaxata, Seleucia on the Tigris, and Ctesiphon. A pandemic known as the Antonine Plague breaks out in Rome after the Roman army returns from Parthia, the plague significantly depopulates the Roman Empire. Legio II Italica is levied by emperor Marcus Aurelius, dura-Europos is taken by the Romans. The Romans establish a garrison at Doura Europos on the Euphrates, Avidius Cassius takes Nisibis and conquers the north of Mesopotamia. Marcus Aurelius creates four legal districts in Italy, the philosopher Justin of Nablus is executed in Rome as a Christian. Discourse to the Greek, by the Syrian Tatian, is the first treatise on the evils of paganism in Christian literature, conflict erupts on the Danube frontier between Rome and the Germanic tribe of the Marcomanni. Emperor Marcus Aurelius appoints his sons as Caesars, while he, end of the war with Parthia, The Parthians leave Armenia and eastern Mesopotamia, which both become Roman protectorates
6.
170s
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The Suebian tribes of the Marcomanni cross the Danube and invade northern Italy. The Roman army is destroyed near Carnuntum in Pannonia, the Marcomanni plunder Opitergium and besiege Aquileia. This is the first time hostile forces entered Italy since 101 BC, Emperor Marcus Aurelius writes in Sirmium his first of 12 books of the Meditations in Koine Greek. The Costoboci cross the Danube and ravage Thrace in the Balkan Peninsula and they reached Eleusina, near Athens, and destroyed the temple of the Eleusinian Mysteries. Marcus Aurelius orders humane treatment for Christians and slaves throughout the Roman Empire, an Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius is erected in Rome. The fundamental works of Ptolemy on cartography are published, Emperor Marcus Aurelius forms a new military command, the praetentura Italiae et Alpium. Aquileia is relieved, and the Marcomanni are evicted from Roman territory, Marcus Aurelius signs a peace treaty with the Quadi and the Sarmatian Iazyges. The Germanic tribes of the Hasdingi and the Lacringi become Roman allies, armenia and Mesopotamia become protectorates of the Roman Empire. The Costoboci cross the Danube and ravage Thrace in the Balkan Peninsula and they reach Eleusis, near Athens, and destroy the temple of the Eleusinian Mysteries. In May or June, the orator Aelius Aristides delivers a speech in Smyrna. Emperor Marcus Aurelius crosses the Danube with a force, he subdues the Marcomanni. In a pact signed with the Germanic tribes, he imports them into areas of the Roman Empire that had been depopulated by the plague. The Sarmatians attack the lower Danube frontier, miracle in Moravia, As the Roman army is encircled by the Quadi under intense heat, a violent thunderstorm sweeps away the Quadi in a torrent of water and mud, and refreshes the parched legionaries. Avidius Cassius, governor of Syria, suppresses a revolt in Egypt and is made supreme commander of the Roman army in the East. Last year of Jianning era and start of Xiping era of the Chinese Han Dynasty, battle of Jwa-won, Goguryeo Prime Minister Myeongnim Dap-bu defeats the Chinese Han Dynasty forces in Manchuria. Tatian produces his Diatessaron, a harmony of the four gospels, montanism spreads through the Roman Empire. Gnaeus Claudius Severus and Tiberius Claudius Pompeianus become Roman Consuls, given control of the Eastern Empire, Avidius Cassius, the governor of Syria, crushes an insurrection of shepherds known as the boukoloi. Empress Faustina the Younger accompanies her husband, Marcus Aurelius, on military campaigns
