Directory

165 CE

Discourse to the Greek (Oratio ad Graecos), by the Syrian Tatian, is the first treatise on the evils of paganism in Christian literature. The philosopher Justin of Nablus is executed in Rome as a Christian. Antonine Plague: A pandemic breaks out in Rome, after the Roman army returns from Parthia. The plague significantly depopulates the Roman Empire and China.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • Marcus Aurelius creates 4 legal districts (iuridici) in Italy (5 if Rome is included).source
  • Sindae becomes ruler of the Korean kingdom of Goguryeo.source

Conflict & Security

  • Legio II Italica is levied by Emperor Marcus Aurelius.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • The Romans establish a garrison at Doura Europos on the Euphrates, a control point for the commercial route to the Persian Gulf.source
  • A Roman military expedition under Avidius Cassius is successful against Parthia, capturing Artaxata, Seleucia on the Tigris, and Ctesiphon. The Parthians sue for peace.source
  • Avidius Cassius takes Nisibis, and conquers the north of Mesopotamia.source

Religion & Belief

  • Discourse to the Greek (Oratio ad Graecos), by the Syrian Tatian, is the first treatise on the evils of paganism in Christian literature.source
  • The philosopher Justin of Nablus is executed in Rome as a Christian.source

Health & Medicine

  • Antonine Plague: A pandemic breaks out in Rome, after the Roman army returns from Parthia. The plague significantly depopulates the Roman Empire and China.source

Crime & Justice

  • Dura-Europos is taken by the Romans.source

Births

  • Tiberius Claudius Cleobulus, Roman politician (d. 213)source
  • Mi Zhu (or Zizhong), Chinese official and advisor (d. 221)source
  • Annia Faustina, Roman noblewoman (d. 218)source
  • Shi Hui, Chinese official and statesman (d. 227)source
  • Marcus Opellius Severus Macrinus, Roman emperor (d. 218)source

Deaths

  • Deng Mengnü (or Bo Mengnü), Chinese empresssource
  • Justin Martyr, Christian apologist (b. AD 100)source
  • Peregrinus Proteus, Greek philosopher (b. AD 95)source
  • Chadea, Korean ruler of Goguryeo (b. AD 71)source
  • Taejodae, Korean ruler of Goguryeo (b. AD 47)source
  • Claudius Ptolemaeus, Greek astronomer (approximate date)source
  • Appian, Greek historian and writer (approximate date)source
  • Elpinice, daughter of Herodes Atticus (b. AD 142)source