708 CE
Pope Sisinnius succeeds Pope John VII as the 87th pope. Pope Constantine I succeeds Pope Sisinnius as the 88th pope. Tea drinking gains popularity among the Chinese. It is also valued for its alleged medicinal values (approximate date).
Conflict & Security
- Nazaktar Khan, a Turk Shahi prince in alliance with the Tibetan Empire, captures Bactria from the Umayyads.source
- Battle of Anchialus: A Byzantine expeditionary force under Emperor Justinian II is defeated near the seaside city of Anchialus, on the Black Sea Coast. The Byzantines are overwhelmed by a surprise attack of Bulgarian cavalry, led by Tervel. Justinian manages to reach the fortress, and escapes to Constantinople on a ship.source
Exploration & Expansion
- Arab–Byzantine War: The Umayyads under Maslamah ibn Abd al-Malik capture and sack the Byzantine city of Tyana (Cappadocia) after a prolonged siege, and following a victory over a Byzantine relief army. Maslamah also leads another expedition in the summer, raiding and conquering Amorium (modern Turkey).source
Religion & Belief
- January 15 – Pope Sisinnius succeeds Pope John VII as the 87th pope.source
- March 25 – Pope Constantine I succeeds Pope Sisinnius as the 88th pope.source
- Island Mont Tombe is dedicated to Michael and renamed Mont Saint-Michel.source
- Tea drinking gains popularity among the Chinese. It is also valued for its alleged medicinal values (approximate date).source
Technology & Infrastructure
- August 29 – Copper coins are minted in Japan for the first time (Traditional Japanese date: August 10, 708).source