Directory

341 CE

Coptic Christianity is introduced into Ethiopia by the Syrian apostle Frumentius. He and his colleague Aedesius ware captured by Ethiopians a year or two ago, and have become civil servants at the Aksumite court of King Ezana. Ezana is impressed with Frumentius' teachings and converts to Christianity. Frumentius becomes the first Bishop of Axum and encourages the Christian merchants present in the country to practise their faith openly. Samudragupta of the Gupta Empire, during a decade, extends his kingdom and his influence. A pillar found at Allahabad sings his praises. Thousands of Christians are executed at Seleucia in Mesopotamia.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • Constans I begins a successful campaign against the Franks.source

Religion & Belief

  • Coptic Christianity is introduced into Ethiopia by the Syrian apostle Frumentius. He and his colleague Aedesius ware captured by Ethiopians a year or two ago, and have become civil servants at the Aksumite court of King Ezana. Ezana is impressed with Frumentius' teachings and converts to Christianity. Frumentius becomes the first Bishop of Axum and encourages the Christian merchants present in the country to practise their faith openly.source
  • Paul I is restored as Patriarch of Constantinople.source
  • The Council of Encaenia is held in Antioch.source
  • Emperor Constans I bans pagan sacrifices and magic rituals, under penalty of death.source

Crime & Justice

  • Thousands of Christians are executed at Seleucia in Mesopotamia.source

Culture & Society

  • Samudragupta of the Gupta Empire, during a decade, extends his kingdom and his influence. A pillar found at Allahabad sings his praises.source

Births

  • Ai of Jin (or Qianling), Chinese emperor (d. 365)source

Deaths

  • Potamon of Heraclea, Christian bishop and martyrsource
  • Paul of Thebes, Christian hermit (approximate date)source
  • Ge Hong (or Ko Hung), Chinese taoist (approximate date)source
  • Du Lingyang (or Du Ling), Chinese empress (b. 321)source
  • Eusebius of Nicomedia, archbishop of Constantinoplesource
  • Asterius of Cappadocia, Christian theologian and writersource