Expert: Conrad T. Jalowski - 3/26/2009

Question
Conrad,

Hello. Thank you for taking my question. I am in the midst of writing an article detailing important events that occurred around the world in AD 1/1 CE and, in my efforts not to miss one, I wanted to reach out to you to ask: What important events occurred in AD 1 and what events, if any, have had a resonating impact on our lives today?

Also, I would love to know if there are any books you recommend I seek out for more answers to this question.

Thank you.

Answer
Thank you for the question; I wish great success for your historical research. Here is a list of events around the world at at the year 1 AD/CE:

Roman Empire:

-Tiberius, under order of Augustus, quells revolts in Germania (1–5).

-Gaius Caesar and Lucius Aemilius Paullus are appointed consuls.

-Gaius Caesar marries Livilla, daughter of Antonia Minor and Nero Claudius Drusus, in an effort to gain prestige.

-Quirinius becomes a chief advisor to Gaius in Armenia. Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus whose father Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus had served as consul in 16 BC also serves in the Armenia campaigns.

-The Aqua Alsienta aqueduct is constructed.

-Silk appears in Rome.

-Areius Paianeius becomes Archon of Athens.

Asia:

-Start of the Yuanshi era of the Chinese Han Dynasty.

-Confucius is given his first royal title (posthumous name) of Lord Baochengxun Ni.

-Emperor Ping of Han China begins his reign and Wang Mang is re-instated as regent by Grand Empress Dowager Wang.

-Former regent Dong Xian commits suicide.

-Sapadbizes, Yuezhi prince and King of Kush (Bactria), dies. Heraios succeeds him as king.

Africa:

-Kingdom of Aksum, centered in modern day Ethiopia and Eritrea, is founded (approximate date).

-Amanishakheto Queen of Kush (Nubia) dies. Her son, Natakamani, becomes King of Kush.

Americas:

Moxos ceases to be a significant religious area in South America (approximate date).

Arts and Sciences:

-The poem Metamorphoses is written by Ovid.

-Livy writes his monumental History of Rome (Ab Urbe Condita).

Religion:

-Birth of Jesus, according to the Anno Domini era created by Dionysius Exiguus in 525 as argued by at least one scholar. Other scholars, like Theodor Mommsen, argue that Dionysius placed the birth of Jesus in 1 BC. Most scholars ignore Dionysius and place the birth of Jesus several years earlier.

-Buddhism is introduced into China.

-(Source Wikipedia.com)-

Thank you for the question,

                         Conrad Jalowski