Directory

375 CE

Emperor Valentinian I concludes an enduring peace with the Alamanni in Germany, then marches into Illyricum to repel an invasion of the Quadi and the Sarmatians on the Danube frontier. While negotiating with the Quadi, Valentinian, age 54, becomes so enraged that he dies in a fit of apoplexy at Brigetio (Hungary). Extreme cruelty has marked his 11-year reign, but he has also founded schools and provided physicians to serve the poor of Constantinople. The Talmud of Babylon is written by Rav Ashi. This commentary on the Mishnah contains approximately 2.5 million words on 5.894 pages. The earliest extant books – a school textbook and an account book – with bound wooden leaves, are lost at the Dakhla Oasis in western Egypt. The desert sands preserve them for modern archaeologists.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • Emperor Chandragupta II becomes ruler of the Gupta Empire (India). He is the son of Samudragupta the Great and retains his reign by an aggressive expansionist policy.source
  • The Quadi accept an uneasy peace from Merobaudes (Magister militum), which gives them land to settle on the Danube.source
  • Gratian, age 16, takes over the government at Augusta Treverorum (modern Trier), but ministers wishing to retain the loyalty of the Illyrian army fear a usurper. They proclaim Valentinian's 4-year-old son Valentinian II co-emperor with his mother, Justina, as regent. Gratian reserves for himself the administration of the Gallic provinces, and hands over Italy, Illyrium, Hispania and Africa to his stepmother, who makes Mediolanum (Milan) her residence.source

Conflict & Security

  • Geungusu becomes king of the Korean kingdom of Baekje.source
  • In Africa, the dissident Berber prince Firmus is delivered to the Romans by his brother Gildon.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • The earliest extant books – a school textbook and an account book – with bound wooden leaves, are lost at the Dakhla Oasis in western Egypt. The desert sands preserve them for modern archaeologists.source
  • Saint Jerome retires to the desert of Chalcis (Syria).source

Religion & Belief

  • Gratian, advised by his chief advisor Ambrosius, begins a systematic persecution of the pagans. He confiscates the fortunes of the temples and adds the money to the Imperial Treasury. He proscribes Arianism and Donatism.source
  • The Maronite Church is founded by Saint Maron in Lebanon.source
  • The Talmud of Babylon is written by Rav Ashi. This commentary on the Mishnah contains approximately 2.5 million words on 5.894 pages.source
  • The first two Korean Buddhist temples are built.source

Births

  • Zong Bing (or Shaowen), Chinese artist and musician (d. 443)source
  • Orosius, Christian historian and theologian (approximate date)source

Deaths

  • February 23 – Saint Gorgonia, daughter of Gregory the Eldersource
  • May 30 – Emmelia of Caesarea, Byzantine Eastern Orthodox priestsource
  • September 3 – Mansuetus, Christian bishop and saintsource
  • November 17 – Valentinian I, Roman emperor (b. 321)source
  • November 17 – Emperor Valentinian I concludes an enduring peace with the Alamanni in Germany, then marches into Illyricum to repel an invasion of the Quadi and the Sarmatians on the Danube frontier. While negotiating with the Quadi, Valentinian, age 54, becomes so enraged that he dies in a fit of apoplexy at Brigetio (Hungary). Extreme cruelty has marked his 11-year reign, but he has also founded schools and provided physicians to serve the poor of Constantinople.source
  • Kipunada, Indian ruler of the Kushan Empiresource
  • Wang Meng (or Jinglüe), Chinese politician (b. 325)source
  • Samudragupta, Indian emperor of the Gupta Empiresource
  • Rav Papa, Babylonian Jewish amora and talmudistsource
  • Pambo (or Pemwah), Coptic Desert Father (b. 305)source
  • Geunchogo (or Chogo II), Korean ruler of Baekjesource