556 CE
The diplomatic representative (apocrisiarius) to Constantinople is elected as Pope Pelagius I, succeeding Vigilius as the 60th pope of Rome. King Chlothar I suppresses a revolt of the Saxons and Thuringi in Saxony (Germany). For some time he exacts a tribute of 500 cows every year. King Khosrau I opens negotiations with Justinian I, leading to the establishment of a 50 year peace agreement in 562.
Geopolitics & Diplomacy
- King Khosrau I opens negotiations with Justinian I, leading to the establishment of a 50 year peace agreement in 562.source
Conflict & Security
- Lazic War: A Byzantine expeditionary force under Justin retakes Archaeopolis (modern Georgia), and routs the Persian army.source
- King Chlothar I suppresses a revolt of the Saxons and Thuringi in Saxony (Germany). For some time he exacts a tribute of 500 cows every year.source
- King Cynric and his son Ceawlin of Wessex fight against the Britons at Beranburh, now identified as Barbury Castle (Wiltshire) in South West England.source
- Siege of Phasis: The Persians are defeated at the besieged town of Phasis in Lazica, held by the Byzantines.source
Religion & Belief
- April 16 – The diplomatic representative (apocrisiarius) to Constantinople is elected as Pope Pelagius I, succeeding Vigilius as the 60th pope of Rome.source
Births
Deaths
- February 22 – Maximianus, Bishop of Ravenna (b. 499)source
- Echu Tirmcharna, king of Connacht (Ireland)source
- Erzhu Ying'e, empress of Northern Weisource
- Romanos the Melodist, Syrian poet (approximate date)source
- Xiao Yuanming, emperor of the Liang Dynastysource
- Yuwen Tai, general of Western Wei (b. 507)source