648 BCE
The earliest solar eclipse to be chronicled by the Greeks is observed. Messenians in the Peloponnese revolt against Sparta under the leadership of king Aristomenes, beginning a struggle that will continue until 631 BC. Babylon falls to Assyrian forces after a 3-year siege (see 651 BC); starved out by his half brother Ashurbanipal, king Shamash-shum-ukin commits suicide in his burning palace, as the Assyrians slaughter his city's garrison and much of its population.
Conflict & Security
- Messenians in the Peloponnese revolt against Sparta under the leadership of king Aristomenes, beginning a struggle that will continue until 631 BC.source
- Babylon falls to Assyrian forces after a 3-year siege (see 651 BC); starved out by his half brother Ashurbanipal, king Shamash-shum-ukin commits suicide in his burning palace, as the Assyrians slaughter his city's garrison and much of its population.source
Science & Discovery
- April 6 - The earliest solar eclipse to be chronicled by the Greeks is observed.source
Births
- Josiah, king of Judah (d. 609 BC)source
Deaths
- Shamash-shum-ukin, Assyrian king of Babylonia.source