WORLD HISTORY · TIMELINE 日本語
The 2nd century101–200
What were the key events of the 2nd century?
In the 2nd century (101–200), the Roman Empire reached its greatest extent around the reign of Trajan, and monsoon-driven trade expanded across the Indian Ocean. In China, Cai Lun improved papermaking, King Suisho of Wa (early Japan) and others presented slaves to the Eastern Han, and the Yellow Turban Rebellion shook Han rule.
- Monsoon-driven Indian Ocean trade expandsAsia
- Cai Lun improves papermakingAsia
- King Suisho of Wa presents slaves to Eastern HanAsia
- Roman Empire reaches its greatest extentEurope
- Construction of Hadrian's Wall begins in BritainEurope
- Roman emperor's envoy reaches Rinan CommanderyAsia
- Yellow Turban Rebellion shakes Eastern Han ruleAsia
- Cao Cao and Yuan Shao clash at GuanduAsia
Summaries are written by the site editors.
Key events of the 2nd century (timeline · excerpt)
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Cai Lun improves papermaking
King Suisho of Wa presents slaves to Eastern Han
Roman emperor Trajan inaugurates the Aqua Traiana, an aqueduct that channels water from Lake Bracciano, 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of Rome.
Roman emperor Trajan dedicates a column celebrating and depicting his victory over the Dacians.
Hadrian, who became emperor a year previously on Trajan's death, makes his entry into Rome.
Construction of Hadrian's Wall begins in Britain
Emperor Hadrian establishes the city of Antinoöpolis on the Nile in honour of his companion Antinous, creating a new Hellenizing foundation in Roman Egypt.
Roman emperor Hadrian adopts Antoninus Pius as his son, effectively making him his successor.
Emperor Hadrian of Rome dies of heart failure at his residence on the bay of Naples, Baiae; he is buried at Rome in the Tomb of Hadrian beside his late wife, Vibia Sabina.
Marcus Aurelius and L. Commodus (who changes his name to Lucius Verus) become joint emperors of Rome on the death of Antoninus Pius.
Roman emperor's envoy reaches Rinan Commandery
Marcomannic Wars: The Roman army in Moravia is encircled by the Quadi, who have broken the peace treaty (171). In a violent thunderstorm, emperor Marcus Aurelius defeats and subdues them in the so-called "miracle of the rain".
Emperor Marcus Aurelius grants his son Commodus the rank of "Imperator" and makes him Supreme Commander of the Roman legions.
Commodus becomes sole emperor of the Roman Empire at the age of eighteen, following the death of his father, Marcus Aurelius.
Twelve inhabitants of Scillium (near Kasserine, modern-day Tunisia) in North Africa are executed for being Christians. This is the earliest record of Christianity in that part of the world.
After assassinating the Roman Emperor Pertinax, his Praetorian Guards auction off the throne to Didius Julianus.
The distinguished soldier Septimius Severus is proclaimed emperor by the army in Illyricum.
The Roman Senate passes a motion proclaiming Septimius Severus emperor, awards divine honours to Pertinax, and sentences current emperor Didius Julianus to death.
Emperor Septimius Severus defeats usurper Clodius Albinus in the Battle of Lugdunum, the bloodiest battle between Roman armies.
Cao Cao and Yuan Shao clash at Guandu
Source: Wikipedia date pages ("January 1" … "December 31") / CC BY-SA 4.0. Regions are assigned by the site editors.
Dates and events are based on Wikipedia and other references. Summaries and regions are written by the site editors.