78 CE

Emperor Kadphises of the Kushan Empire sends a delegation to Rome, to seek support against the Parthians. Indian Prince Aji Caka introduces the Sanskrit language and Pallawa script, used to inscribe Javanese words and phrases, to the Indonesian islands. This is the base year (year zero) of the Saka era used by some Hindu calendars, the Indian national calendar, and the Cambodian Buddhist calendar. It begins near the vernal equinox for the civil solar calendar, but begins opposite the star Spica for the traditional solar calendar.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

Gnaeus Julius Agricola replaces Sextus Julius Frontinus as governor of Roman Britain, which leads to the conquering of portions of Wales and northern England.source
Pacorus II becomes king of the Parthian Empire (r. 78–115).source

Conflict & Security

Emperor Kadphises of the Kushan Empire sends a delegation to Rome, to seek support against the Parthians.source

Exploration & Expansion

The Romans conquer the Ordovices, located in present-day northern Wales, as well as the Silures.source

Religion & Belief

Indian Prince Aji Caka introduces the Sanskrit language and Pallawa script, used to inscribe Javanese words and phrases, to the Indonesian islands.source

Science & Discovery

The Chinese philosopher Wang Chong (Wang-Ch'ung) claims all phenomena have material causes.source

Culture & Society

This is the base year (year zero) of the Saka era used by some Hindu calendars, the Indian national calendar, and the Cambodian Buddhist calendar. It begins near the vernal equinox for the civil solar calendar, but begins opposite the star Spica for the traditional solar calendar.source

Births

Wang Fu, Chinese historian, poet and philosopher (approximate date)source
Liu Qing, Chinese prince of the Han Dynasty (d. 106)source
Zhang Heng, Chinese mathematician, astronomer, inventor, and statesman (d. 139)source

Deaths

Gaius Salonius Matidius Patruinus, Roman politiciansource
Vologases I, king of the Parthian Empiresource