Directory

132 CE

Bar Kokhba revolt: The messianic, charismatic Jewish leader Simon bar Kokhba starts a war of liberation for Judea against the Romans, which is eventually crushed (in 135) by Emperor Hadrian; Rabbi Akiva is supportive of the rebellion. Chinese scientist Zhang Heng invents the first seismometer for determining the exact cardinal direction of earthquakes hundreds of miles away; the device employs a series of complex gears around a central swinging pendulum. Merchants in Britain build structures outside the forts of Hadrian's Wall, and offer goods and services (including brothels) to Roman soldiers, who receive salaries in a region that otherwise has virtually no ready money.

Conflict & Security

  • Bar Kokhba revolt: The messianic, charismatic Jewish leader Simon bar Kokhba starts a war of liberation for Judea against the Romans, which is eventually crushed (in 135) by Emperor Hadrian; Rabbi Akiva is supportive of the rebellion.source
  • Change of era name from Yongjian (7th year) to Yangjia of the Chinese Han dynasty.source
  • Legio X Fretensis must evacuate Jerusalem, returning to Caesarea. The Jews enter the city, and re-establish their system of sacrifices. They strike coins to celebrate their independence, which will last for only 30 months. Legio XXII Deiotariana, which advanced from Egypt, is completely destroyed.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • Merchants in Britain build structures outside the forts of Hadrian's Wall, and offer goods and services (including brothels) to Roman soldiers, who receive salaries in a region that otherwise has virtually no ready money.source

Technology & Infrastructure

  • Construction begins on the Mausoleum of Hadrian in Rome (known today as Castel Sant'Angelo).source

Climate & Environment

  • Chinese scientist Zhang Heng invents the first seismometer for determining the exact cardinal direction of earthquakes hundreds of miles away; the device employs a series of complex gears around a central swinging pendulum.source

Culture & Society

  • The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Athens) is completed, using Cossutius' design.source

Births

  • Tao Qian, Chinese official and warlord (d. 194)source
  • Han Huandi, emperor of the Han dynasty (d. 168)source
  • Cai Yong, Chinese calligrapher and musician (d. 192)source

Deaths

  • Sun Cheng, Chinese eunuch and politiciansource
  • Juvenal of Benevento, Roman Christian and saintsource