Directory

608 CE

The Column of Phocas at Rome is dedicated in honour of Phocas. The Corinthian column has a height of 13.6 m (44 ft). Pope Boniface IV succeeds Boniface III, as the 67th pope of Rome. The observance of Halloween in the Roman Catholic Church is first recorded.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • Heraclius proclaims himself and his son as consuls, claiming the imperial title—and mint coins with the two wearing the consular robes. Syria and Palaestina Prima revolt.source
  • Eochaid Buide succeeds his father Áedán mac Gabráin as king of Dál Riata (modern Scotland).source

Conflict & Security

  • Heraclian revolt: Heraclius the Elder, exarch of Africa, and his son (also named Heraclius) revolt against Emperor Phocas, whose regime in Constantinople has become unpopular and violent.source
  • Byzantine–Persian War: King Khosrau II invades Armenia, and raids deep into Anatolia through the Byzantine provinces of Cappadocia, Phrygia, Galatia, and Bithynia.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • Sui dynasty Emperor Yang of Sui expresses the desire to control routes to the West, leading to two and a half centuries of Chinese military and trading activities in Central Asia.source

Religion & Belief

  • August 1 – The Column of Phocas at Rome is dedicated in honour of Phocas. The Corinthian column has a height of 13.6 m (44 ft).source
  • September 25 – Pope Boniface IV succeeds Boniface III, as the 67th pope of Rome.source
  • The observance of Halloween in the Roman Catholic Church is first recorded.source
  • The Georgian Orthodox Church returns to Chalcedonism (approximate date).source

Births

  • Philibert of Jumièges, Frankish abbot (approximate date)source
  • Charibert II, king of Aquitaine (approximate date)source

Deaths

  • Áedán mac Gabráin, king of Dál Riatasource