406
Year 406 was a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. In the Roman Empire, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Arcadius and Probus. The denomination 406 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
By place
Roman Empire
- Radagaisus is forced to retreat into the hills of Fiesole. There he tries to escape, but is captured by the Romans.
- August 23 - Radagaisus is executed; 12,000 "barbarians" are incorporated into the Roman army, or sold as slaves.
- Autumn - The remaining Roman legions in Britain decide to mutiny. The usurper Marcus is proclaimed emperor.
- Vandal-Frankish war: The Vandals, led by Godigisel, are intercepted and defeated by the Franks under Marcomir. Godigisel is killed in battle and succeeded by his son Gunderic.
- December 31 - Vandals, Alans and Suebians cross the Rhine at Mogontiacum, beginning an invasion of Gaul.
Asia
- Faxian, Chinese traveler, arrives in India. He visits the major seats of Buddhist learning.
- Hanzei succeeds his brother Richu, and becomes the 18th emperor of Japan in the traditional order of succession.
By topic
Agriculture
- Cultivation of rye, oats, hops, and spelt is introduced in Europe by the native Vandals, Alans, and Sciri, who also introduce a heavy wheeled plow to be used for farming.
Religion
- Stained glass is used for the first time in churches in Rome.
Births
- Attila the Hun, ruler of the Hunnic Empire
- Lu Xiujing
- Shao Di, emperor of the Liu Song dynasty
Deaths
- August 23 - Radagaisus, Gothic king
- Alban of Mainz, priest and martyr
- Godigisel, king of the Vandals
- Gu Kaizhi, Chinese painter
- Zhang Tianxi, ruler of Former Liang