117 CE
Emperor Trajan falls seriously ill and dies of a stroke at Selinus in Cilicia, age 63, while en route from Mesopotamia to Italy, leaving the Roman Empire at its maximal territorial extent. The Jewish Diaspora Revolt is quelled, likely by autumn 117, though unrest may have persisted in Egypt until early 118. Its suppression results in the near-complete expulsion of Jews from Cyrenaica, Cyprus, and several regions of Egypt. John I becomes the 7th Bishop of Jerusalem.
Geopolitics & Diplomacy
- Hadrian returns large parts of Mesopotamia to the Parthians as part of a peace settlement. He inaugurates a policy of retrenchment and cultural integration, giving up the policy of conquest of his predecessor in order to consolidate the empire.source
Conflict & Security
- The Jewish Diaspora Revolt is quelled, likely by autumn 117, though unrest may have persisted in Egypt until early 118. Its suppression results in the near-complete expulsion of Jews from Cyrenaica, Cyprus, and several regions of Egypt.source
Religion & Belief
Economy & Finance
- The silver content of the Roman denarius falls to 87 percent under emperor Hadrian, down from 93 percent in the reign of Trajan.source
Technology & Infrastructure
- Construction begins on the Pantheon in Rome.source
Births
- Aelius Aristides, Greek orator (d. 181)source
Deaths
- August 8 – Trajan, Roman emperor (b. AD 53)source
- Emperor Trajan falls seriously ill and dies of a stroke at Selinus in Cilicia, age 63, while en route from Mesopotamia to Italy, leaving the Roman Empire at its maximal territorial extent.source
- Gaius Cornelius Tacitus, Roman historian (b. AD 56)source
- Hermione of Ephesus, Maurus, Pantalemon and Sergius, Astius and several other Christian martyrs in persecution by Trajansource
- Gaius Julius Quadratus Bassus, Roman general in Judea (b. AD 70)source