Directory

501 CE

Ahkal Moʼ Nahb I becomes the new ruler of the Mayan city-state of Palenque (in what is now the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico), and reigns until his death in 524. Muryeong becomes king of Baekje (one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea). During his reign, the kingdom remains allied with Silla and expands its relationships with China and Japan. The Sushruta Samhita medical book becomes a classic of medicine in India. The book contains descriptions of surgery, illnesses, medicinal plants, and a detailed study on anatomy (approximate date).

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • June 5 – Ahkal Moʼ Nahb I becomes the new ruler of the Mayan city-state of Palenque (in what is now the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico), and reigns until his death in 524.source

Conflict & Security

  • Dong Hun Hou is killed during a siege of the capital Jiankang. He is succeeded by his brother Qi He Di, who becomes emperor of Southern Qi (China).source
  • Muryeong becomes king of Baekje (one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea). During his reign, the kingdom remains allied with Silla and expands its relationships with China and Japan.source
  • The Maya are peaking in economic prosperity. The civilization at Teotihuacan begins to decline and its people are migrating to the greatest Mayan city, Tikal, bringing with them ideas about weaponry and new ritual practices.source

Religion & Belief

  • Pope Symmachus, accused of various crimes by secular authorities who support an ecclesiastical opponent, asserts that the secular ruler has no jurisdiction over him. A synod held in 502 will confirm that view.source

Health & Medicine

  • The Sushruta Samhita medical book becomes a classic of medicine in India. The book contains descriptions of surgery, illnesses, medicinal plants, and a detailed study on anatomy (approximate date).source

Crime & Justice

  • Burgundian Civil War: King Gundobad breaks his promise of tribute and regains his military power. He besieges his brother Godegisel at the city of Vienne (Burgundy), and murders him in an Arian church along with the bishop.source

Births

  • Lou Zhaojun, empress dowager of Northern Qi (d. 562)source
  • Xiao Tong, crown prince of the Liang Dynasty (d. 531)source

Deaths

  • April 25 – Rusticus, archbishop of Lyonsource
  • Domangart Réti succeeds his father Fergus Mór, after he dies during a campaign against the Picts. He becomes the new king of Dál Riata (modern Scotland) (according to the Annals of Tigernach).source
  • Dongseong, king of Baekje (Korea)source
  • Fergus Mór, king of Dál Riata (Scotland)source
  • Godegisel, king of the Burgundianssource
  • Pan Yunu, concubine of Xiao Baojuansource
  • Su Xiaoxiao, Chinese Gējì and poetsource
  • Xiao Baojuan, emperor of Southern Qi (b. 483)source
  • Ravina II, Jewish Talmudist and rabbisource
  • Teudelinda, Burgundian queen consortsource