Directory

561 CE

Pope Pelagius I dies in Rome after a five-year reign, and is succeeded by John III as the 61st pope. King Chlothar I ("the Old") dies at Compiègne at age 64. The Merovingian dynasty is continued by his four sons (Charibert I, Guntram, Sigebert I and Chilperic I), who divide the Frankish Kingdom and rule from the capitals at Paris, Orléans, Reims and Soissons, respectively. Jnanagupta, a Buddhist monk from Gandhara (Pakistan), begins translating Buddhist texts into Chinese.

Conflict & Security

  • The Battle of Cúl Drebene (modern Ireland) is fought between the Northern and Southern Uí Néill (approximate date).source

Religion & Belief

  • The First Council of Braga is held. The council condemns the doctrine of Priscillianism.source
  • Jnanagupta, a Buddhist monk from Gandhara (Pakistan), begins translating Buddhist texts into Chinese.source

Science & Discovery

  • Sky Witness is crowned as leader of Calakmul.source

Births

  • Yang Lihua, empress of Northern Zhou (d. 609)source

Deaths

  • March 4 – Pope Pelagius I dies in Rome after a five-year reign, and is succeeded by John III as the 61st pope.source
  • November 29 – Chlothar I, king of the Frankssource
  • November 29 – King Chlothar I ("the Old") dies at Compiègne at age 64. The Merovingian dynasty is continued by his four sons (Charibert I, Guntram, Sigebert I and Chilperic I), who divide the Frankish Kingdom and rule from the capitals at Paris, Orléans, Reims and Soissons, respectively.source
  • Xiao Zhao Di, emperor of Northern Qi (b. 535)source
  • Winter – Wu Cheng Di succeeds his brother Xiao Zhao Di, who dies from injuries suffered while hunting, as Chinese emperor of Northern Qi.source
  • Fei Di, emperor of Northern Qi (b. 545)source
  • Chram, Frankish prince and son of Chlothar Isource