Directory

611 CE

The Four Gates Pagoda, located in central Shandong Province (East China), is completed. Byzantine–Persian War: The Persian army under Shahrbaraz captures Antioch, and most of the remaining Byzantine fortresses in Syria and Mesopotamia. King Khosrau II is re-establishing a neo-Persian Empire, and intensifies his war effort. The Byzantine army, ruined by defeat and corruption, offers only half-hearted opposition. Cynegils becomes king of the West Saxons, or Wessex, after the death of his uncle Ceolwulf (according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle). He rules from 611 to 643 and shares power to some extent with his eldest son, Cwichelm, who may have been given Upper Wessex (approximate date).

Conflict & Security

  • Byzantine–Persian War: The Persian army under Shahrbaraz captures Antioch, and most of the remaining Byzantine fortresses in Syria and Mesopotamia. King Khosrau II is re-establishing a neo-Persian Empire, and intensifies his war effort. The Byzantine army, ruined by defeat and corruption, offers only half-hearted opposition.source

Religion & Belief

  • The Four Gates Pagoda, located in central Shandong Province (East China), is completed.source

Births

  • July 7 – Eudoxia Epiphania, daughter of Byzantine emperor Heracliussource
  • Leo II, Pope of the Catholic Church (d. 683)source

Deaths

  • Comentiolus, Byzantine general (approximate date)source
  • Romilda of Friuli, regent duchess of Friuli (approximate date)source
  • Cynegils becomes king of the West Saxons, or Wessex, after the death of his uncle Ceolwulf (according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle). He rules from 611 to 643 and shares power to some extent with his eldest son, Cwichelm, who may have been given Upper Wessex (approximate date).source
  • Arnoald, Bishop of Metz (approximate date)source
  • Ceolwulf, king of Wessex (approximate date)source