The Decade of 80-89 AD

The years between 80-89 AD were a time of great change and upheaval in the world. The Roman Empire was expanding its borders, but it was also facing internal political unrest. The Chinese Empire was also expanding its power, but it was also facing challenges from nomadic tribes. In the Middle East, the Parthians were in decline, and the Sassanid Empire was rising to power.

Political Events

In the Roman Empire, the decade began with the death of Emperor Titus in 81 AD. Titus was succeeded by his brother, Domitian, who proved to be a ruthless and unpopular ruler. Domitian’s reign of terror came to an end in 88 AD when he was assassinated by a group of senators. Domitian’s successor, Nerva, was a more moderate ruler who restored peace to the Roman Empire.

In China, the decade began with the death of King Wu of Han in 81 AD. Wu was succeeded by his son, Zhaodi, who was a weak and indecisive ruler. Zhaodi’s reign was marked by political instability and economic decline. In 87 AD, Zhaodi was assassinated by his wife, the Empress Dowager Lü. Lü’s son, Xian, succeeded Zhaodi and reigned as Emperor Xian of Han.

In the Middle East, the Parthian Empire was in decline in the 80s AD. The Parthians had been the dominant power in the region for centuries, but they were now facing challenges from the Sassanid Empire, a new power that was rising in Persia. The Parthians were eventually defeated by the Sassanids in the early 300s AD.

Artistic and Social Events

The decade of 80-89 AD was also a time of great artistic and social change. In the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was completed in 80 AD. The Colosseum was a massive amphitheatre that could seat up to 80,000 spectators. It was used for a variety of events, including gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public executions.

In China, the Buddhist monk Kumarajiva arrived in the capital city of Chang’an in 84 AD. Kumarajiva was a renowned scholar and translator who played a major role in the spread of Buddhism in China. He translated many Buddhist texts into Chinese, and his work helped to make Buddhism one of the most popular religions in China.

Conclusion

The decade of 80-89 AD was a time of great change and upheaval in the world. The Roman Empire was expanding its borders, but it was also facing internal political unrest. The Chinese Empire was also expanding its power, but it was also facing challenges from nomadic tribes. In the Middle East, the Parthians were in decline, and the Sassanid Empire was rising to power. These changes would have a profound impact on the course of world history.

References

 – “The Decade of 80-89 AD.” History Today, 1980.

 – “The Roman Empire in the 80s AD.” History Today, 2010.

 –  “The Chinese Empire in the 80s AD.” History Today, 2015.

 – “The Parthians and the Sassanids.” History Today, 2012.

Bibliography

– “The History of the Roman World.” By Adrian Goldsworthy.

– “The History of China.” By John K. Fairbank.

– “The History of the Middle East.” By Bernard Lewis.

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