Directory

452 CE

Last known usage of Demotic script in Egypt. Nan'an Yinwang succeeds his father Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei, after he is assassinated by the eunuch Zong Ai. Later this year, Yinwang is murdered as well, and Ai is overthrown by a group of high officials. Wencheng Di, age 12, becomes the new emperor of Northern Wei. The city of Venice is founded by fugitives from Attila's army who flee to small islands in the Venetian Lagoon.

Conflict & Security

  • Nan'an Yinwang succeeds his father Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei, after he is assassinated by the eunuch Zong Ai. Later this year, Yinwang is murdered as well, and Ai is overthrown by a group of high officials. Wencheng Di, age 12, becomes the new emperor of Northern Wei.source
  • The Huns under Attila invade Northern Italy. Emperor Valentinian III flees from Ravenna to Rome, and sends Pope Leo I to persuade Attila to return to the Hungarian Plain. The cities of Aquileia, Padua and Verona are destroyed by the Huns. Milan is saved because Attila is offered a huge amount of gold. Flavius Aetius (magister militum) is unable to raise a new army against him.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • The city of Venice is founded by fugitives from Attila's army who flee to small islands in the Venetian Lagoon.source

Science & Discovery

  • Last known usage of Demotic script in Egypt.source

Health & Medicine

  • Rome is threatened by Attila but not attacked, due to a last-minute effort by Leo I. Threatened by news of reinforcements from the Eastern Roman Empire and the plague breaking out among the Huns, Attila is persuaded to withdraw.source

Births

  • John the Silent, bishop and Saint (died 558)source
  • Qi Mingdi, emperor of Southern Qi (d. 498)source
  • Gundobad, king of the Burgundians (approximate date)source
  • Wang Jian, official of Liu Song and Southern Qi (d. 489)source

Deaths

  • March 11 – Tai Wu Di, emperor of Northern Wei (b. 408)source
  • Yujiulü, consort and wife of Tuoba Huangsource
  • Nan'an Yinwang, emperor of Northern Weisource
  • Drest I, king of the Picts (approximate date)source
  • Zong Ai, eunuch and high officialsource