The first year of the first century AD was a relatively peaceful year in the Roman Empire. The emperor Augustus was at the height of his power, and the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and prosperity, was in full swing. One of the most important events of the year was the birth of Jesus Christ. According to the Gospels, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea, in the year 4 BC. However, most scholars agree that he was actually born in 4 or 6 AD. Another important event of the year was the death of Herod the Great, the king of Judea. Herod was a cruel and tyrannical ruler, and his death was met with widespread relief. After his death, Judea was divided into three parts, with his sons Archelaus, Antipas, and Philip ruling as tetrarchs. In Rome, Augustus continued to consolidate his power. He established a new system of government, the Principate, which gave him absolute control over the empire. He also appointed a new prefect, Publius Sulpicius Quirinius, to govern Syria and Judea. Quirinius's appointment led to a rebellion in Judea, led by Judas of Galilee. The rebellion was quickly crushed, but it was a sign of the growing discontent among the Jewish people. Overall, the first year of the first century AD was a relatively peaceful year. However, there were some signs of unrest and change, which would come to the fore in the years to come.
Lifetime: 78 AD - 139 AD
Summary: Zhang Heng was a Chinese polymath who made significant contributions to astronomy, mathematics, physics, engineering, cartography, and literature. He is considered one of the greatest scientists of ancient China. His most notable inventions include the world's first seismoscope and a water-powered armillary sphere. He also cataloged over 2,500 stars and developed new methods for calculating pi and the solar eclipse. Zhang Heng's work had a profound impact on the development of science and technology in China. His inventions and discoveries were centuries ahead of their time, and his work continues to inspire scientists and engineers today.
Lifetime: 63 BC – 14 AD
Summary: Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, also known as Caesar Augustus, was the first Roman emperor. He was born into a wealthy family, and his great-uncle Julius Caesar was assassinated when he was only 18 years old. Augustus quickly rose to power, and by 27 BC he had defeated all of his rivals and become the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. Augustus was a brilliant politician and administrator. He reformed the Roman government and military, and he oversaw a period of great peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana. He also built many public works projects, including roads, temples, and bridges. In addition to his political and administrative accomplishments, Augustus was also a patron of the arts and sciences. He supported poets, writers, and artists such as Virgil, Horace, and Ovid. He also founded the Palatine Library, one of the largest and most important libraries in the ancient world.
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