Directory

644 CE

The second caliph Umar, , dies of wounds inflicted by the Persian slave Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz at Medina. On his death bed he appoints a committee to determine his successor. They select Uthman ibn Affan, who becomes the third caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate. Zenkoji, a Buddhist temple and landmark spot in Nagano, Japan, is officially built by Empress Kogyoku. Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty sends a Chinese expeditionary force, to invade and annex the Tarim Basin kingdom of Karasahr in Xinjiang, a vassal of the Western Turkic Khaganate. The oasis state is conquered, and Western Turks sent to assist Karasahr are defeated by the Tang forces.

Conflict & Security

  • Oswine, son of the late king Osric of Deira, manages to establish himself as king of Deira (Northern England) despite armed objections from King Oswiu of Bernicia. His succession, probably the choice of the people of Deira, splits the Kingdom of Northumbria.source
  • Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty sends a Chinese expeditionary force, to invade and annex the Tarim Basin kingdom of Karasahr in Xinjiang, a vassal of the Western Turkic Khaganate. The oasis state is conquered, and Western Turks sent to assist Karasahr are defeated by the Tang forces.source
  • Valentinus, Byzantine general, attempts to usurp the throne of his son-in-law Constans II. He appears at the gates of Constantinople with a contingent of Byzantine troops, and demands to be crowned emperor. His claim is rejected, and Valentinus is lynched by the populace.source

Religion & Belief

  • Zenkoji, a Buddhist temple and landmark spot in Nagano, Japan, is officially built by Empress Kogyoku.source

Births

  • Li Jiao, chancellor of the Tang dynasty (d. 713)source
  • K'inich K'an Joy Chitam II, ruler of Palenquesource

Deaths

  • January 17 – Sulpitius the Pious, French bishop and saintsource
  • October 10 – Paulinus, Archbishop of Yorksource
  • November 3 – The second caliph Umar, , dies of wounds inflicted by the Persian slave Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz at Medina. On his death bed he appoints a committee to determine his successor. They select Uthman ibn Affan, who becomes the third caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate.source
  • Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz, assassin of Umar Isource
  • Trudpert, Irish missionary (or 607)source
  • Otto, mayor of the palace (Austrasia)source
  • Radulf, king of Thuringia (approximate date)source
  • Valentinus, Byzantine general and usurpersource