Directory

659 CE

Gertrude of Nivelles, daughter of Pepin of Landen (mayor of the palace of Austrasia), requests on her deathbed a burial wearing a plain linen shroud. This is the traditional (pagan) practice of a 'furnished' grave. A Japanese embassy is sent to the Chinese Empire, and received in an audience by Emperor Gao Zong. The Tang dynasty is determined in the next year to take administrative measures in regard to Japan. The envoys are detained. Leodegar, an opponent of Ebroin (mayor of the palace), is appointed bishop of Autun in Burgundy.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • A Japanese embassy is sent to the Chinese Empire, and received in an audience by Emperor Gao Zong. The Tang dynasty is determined in the next year to take administrative measures in regard to Japan. The envoys are detained.source
  • Constans II elevates his son Heraclius to the rank of co-emperor (Augustus), alongside his brother Tiberius.source
  • Arab–Byzantine War: Emperor Constans II signs a peace treaty with the Rashidun Caliphate. He uses the pause to strengthen his defences, and consolidates Byzantine control over Armenia. Constans establishes the themata, dividing territorial command in Anatolia.source

Religion & Belief

  • Leodegar, an opponent of Ebroin (mayor of the palace), is appointed bishop of Autun in Burgundy.source

Culture & Society

  • March 17 – Gertrude of Nivelles, daughter of Pepin of Landen (mayor of the palace of Austrasia), requests on her deathbed a burial wearing a plain linen shroud. This is the traditional (pagan) practice of a 'furnished' grave.source

Births

  • He Zhizhang, Chinese poet (approximate date)source
  • Ali ibn Husayn Zayn, great-grandson of Muhammad and Shia Imamsource
  • Fujiwara no Fuhito, Japanese statesman (d. 720)source
  • Cædwalla, king of Wessex (approximate date)source

Deaths

  • March 17 – Gertrude of Nivelles, Frankish abbess (b. c.628)source
  • November 3 – Denha I of Tikrit, Syriac Orthodox Grand Metropolitan of the East.source
  • Ishoyahb III, patriarch of the Church of the Eastsource
  • Bavo of Ghent, Frankish nobleman and saint (b. 622)source
  • Liu Shi, chancellor of the Tang dynastysource
  • Han Yuan, chancellor of the Tang dynasty (b. 606)source
  • Zhangsun Wuji, chancellor of the Tang dynastysource