Directory

208 CE

Ardashir I, ruler of Istakhr (Persia), revolts against his brother and founds the Sassanid Dynasty. Britain is divided: in the north, Lower Britain (Britannia Inferior) is administered from the fortress at Eburacum (modern York), and in the south, Upper Britain (Britannia Superior) is controlled by the legions at Deva Victrix (Chester) and Isca Augusta (Caerleon) with its capital at Londinium (London). Winter – Zhou Yu and Liu Bei defeat Cao Cao at the Battle of Red Cliffs; along with the Battle of Yamen and Battle of Lake Poyang. This is one of the largest naval battles in China's history.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus and his brother Publius Septimius Geta Caesar become Roman consuls.source

Conflict & Security

  • Ardashir I, ruler of Istakhr (Persia), revolts against his brother and founds the Sassanid Dynasty.source
  • King Vologases VI succeeds his father Vologases V to the throne. His brother Artabanus V begins a rebellion against him in the Parthian Empire.source
  • Warlord Cao Cao marches south with his army, and captures the enemy fleet at Jiangling.source
  • Spring – Battle of Jiangxia: Sun Quan defeats Huang Zu.source
  • Britain is divided: in the north, Lower Britain (Britannia Inferior) is administered from the fortress at Eburacum (modern York), and in the south, Upper Britain (Britannia Superior) is controlled by the legions at Deva Victrix (Chester) and Isca Augusta (Caerleon) with its capital at Londinium (London).source
  • Winter – Zhou Yu and Liu Bei defeat Cao Cao at the Battle of Red Cliffs; along with the Battle of Yamen and Battle of Lake Poyang. This is one of the largest naval battles in China's history.source
  • Battle of Changban: Warlord Liu Bei escapes from Cao Cao.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • Emperor Septimius Severus leads an expedition (20,000 men) into Britannia, crosses Hadrian's Wall and moves through eastern Scotland. The Roman army pushes the Caledonians back to the River Tay and Severus signs a peace treaty. He repairs the Antonine Wall (his repairs are sometimes called the Severan Wall).source

Religion & Belief

  • December 10 – Cao Cao writes Duǎn Ge Xíng.source

Births

  • Cao Li, Chinese imperial prince (d. 229)source
  • Diadumenian, Roman emperor (d. 218)source
  • Sima Shi, Chinese general and regent (d. 255)source
  • Severus Alexander, Roman emperor (d. 235)source

Deaths

  • Liu Biao, Chinese governor and warlord (b. 142)source
  • Liu Fu, Chinese governor and politiciansource
  • Kong Rong, Chinese warlord and politician (b. 153)source
  • Hua Tuo, Chinese physician and surgeon (b. 140)source
  • Vologases V, king of the Parthian Empiresource
  • Huang Zu, Chinese general and administratorsource
  • Cao Chong (or Cangshu), Chinese warlord (b. 196)source