2 BC
Year 2 BC was a common year starting on Thursday or Friday of the Julian calendar and a common year starting on Wednesday of the Proleptic Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Augustus and Silvanus. The denomination 2 BC for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.
Events
Roman Empire
- February 5 - Augustus is proclaimed pater patriae by the Roman Senate. This bestowed title is the logical consequence and final proof of Augustus' supreme position as princeps, the first in charge over the Roman state.
- Julia the Elder, daughter of Augustus, is exiled on charges of treason and adultery to Pandateria; her mother Scribonia accompanies her.
- The Aqua Alsietina, a Roman aqueduct in Rome, is constructed during the reign of Augustus.
- Date of the birth of Jesus according to the writings of Tertullian, Eusebius and Epiphanius.
- Dedication of the Forum Augustum.
Parthia
- Phraates V and his mother Musa become rulers of the Parthian Empire following the murder of Phraates IV.
Armenia
- Tigranes IV and Erato are restored to the throne after deposing Artavasdes III.
Births
- Jesus, basis of Christianity
- Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, father of Nero
Deaths
- Fu, Chinese Grand Empress of the Han dynasty
- Iullus Antonius, Roman consul and son of Mark Antony
- Phraates IV, king of the Parthian Empire