86 CE

Martial publishes Books I and II of the Epigrams. Ban Gu (Pan Kou) and his sister Ban Zhao (Pan Tchao) compose the History of China. First Battle of Tapae: Roman legions face disaster in Dacia, when Roman general Cornelius Fuscus launches a powerful offensive that becomes a failure. Encircled in the valley of Timi, he dies along with his entire army. Rome must pay tribute to the Dacians in exchange for a vague recognition of Rome's importance.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

Germania is divided into two provinces, Germania Inferior and Germania Superior (approximate date).source
Ban Gu (Pan Kou) and his sister Ban Zhao (Pan Tchao) compose the History of China.source

Conflict & Security

Roman general (and future emperor) Trajan begins a campaign to crush an uprising in Germania.source

Religion & Belief

Martial publishes Books I and II of the Epigrams.source

Culture & Society

Emperor Domitian introduces the Capitoline Games.source

Births

September 19 – Antoninus Pius, Roman emperor (d. 161)source

Deaths

June 9 – Cornelius Fuscus, Roman general and praetorian prefectsource
First Battle of Tapae: Roman legions face disaster in Dacia, when Roman general Cornelius Fuscus launches a powerful offensive that becomes a failure. Encircled in the valley of Timi, he dies along with his entire army. Rome must pay tribute to the Dacians in exchange for a vague recognition of Rome's importance.source