Directory

500 CE

Approximate year of the invention of the bee skep in Ireland. Approximate beginning of the Heptarchy period in the history of England. Emperor Anastasius I concludes treaties with a number of nomad tribes in northern Arabia. In return for tribute to the Byzantine Empire and military defense of these eastern territories, such tribes are permitted to settle and farm agricultural lands in Arabia (approximate date).

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • The Frankish Kingdom is formed (approximate date).source
  • Emperor Anastasius I concludes treaties with a number of nomad tribes in northern Arabia. In return for tribute to the Byzantine Empire and military defense of these eastern territories, such tribes are permitted to settle and farm agricultural lands in Arabia (approximate date).source

Conflict & Security

  • Possible date for the Battle of Mons Badonicus: Romano-British and Celts defeat an Anglo-Saxon army, that may have been led by the bretwalda Aelle of Sussex or possibly Cerdic of Wessex (approximate date; suggested dates range from 490 to 517). This battle may have influenced the legend of King Arthur.source
  • Burgundian Civil War: Battle of Dijon: A coalition of Franks and Burgundians crush the forces under Gundobad. King Clovis I pursues him to Avignon, where he surrenders and promises to pay a yearly tribute.source
  • Jijeung becomes king of the Korean kingdom of Silla.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • Traders from southern Arabia settle in northern Ethiopia.source
  • First large pit house villages at Chaco Canyon are founded (approximate date).source

Religion & Belief

  • The Arian Baptistry is erected by Theodoric the Great, at the same time as the Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo (Ravenna).source
  • Roman catacomb burials end (approximate date).source
  • Tikal is founded (approximate date).source
  • The Codex Argenteus, Gothic manuscript of bishop Ulfilas's translation of the Bible, is written (approximate date).source

Technology & Infrastructure

  • The monument of Ale's Stones is built in Sweden (approximate date).source
  • Approximate beginning of the Heptarchy period in the history of England.source

Science & Discovery

  • Approximate year of the invention of the bee skep in Ireland.source

Culture & Society

  • Uxmal is founded (approximate date).source
  • Thrasamund, king of the Vandals, marries Amalafrida (widowed sister of Theodoric the Great). She brings with her a large dowry and an elite Gothic force of 5,000 soldiers.source
  • Approximate year of the founding of the Kingdom of Essex.source
  • Possible date at which Fergus Mór begins his reign – the historicity of Mór is doubtful.source

Births

  • Octa, king of Kent (approximate date)source
  • David, Welsh bishop (approximate date)source
  • Erzhu Shilong, high-official of Northern Wei (d. 532)source
  • Clotilde, daughter of Clovis I (approximate date)source
  • Paul the Black, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch (approximate date)source
  • Marcouf, missionary and saint (approximate date)source
  • Antalas, Berber tribal leader (approximate date)source
  • Bhavyaviveka, Indian Madhyamaka scholar (approximate date)source
  • Nonnosus, abbot and saint (approximate date)source
  • Tribonian, Byzantine jurist (approximate date)source
  • Theodora, Byzantine Empress (approximate date)source
  • Kaleb of Axum, Aksumite king responsible for the destruction of Himyarsource
  • Xie He, Chinese writer and art historian (approximate date)source
  • Aregund, queen of the Franks (approximate date)source

Deaths

  • March 29 – Gwynllyw, Welsh king and religious figuresource
  • Zu Chongzhi, Chinese mathematician (b. 429)source
  • Dauí Tenga Uma, king of Connacht (Ireland)source