501

Year 501 was a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Avienus and Pompeius. The denomination 501 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

Britannia

Domangart Réti succeeds his father Fergus Mór, after he dies during a campaign against the Picts. He becomes the new king of Dál Riata .

Europe

Burgundian Civil War: King Gundobad breaks his promise of tribute and regains his military power. He besieges his brother Godegisel at the city of Vienne, and murders him in an Arian church along with the bishop.

Asia

Dong Hun Hou is killed during a siege of the capital Jiankang. He is succeeded by his brother Qi He Di, who becomes emperor of Southern Qi.
Muryeong becomes king of Baekje. During his reign, the kingdom remains allied with Silla and expands its relationships with China and Japan.

Central America

June 5 - Ahkal Moʼ Nahb I becomes the new ruler of the Mayan city-state of Palenque, and reigns until his death in 524.
The Maya are peaking in economic prosperity. The civilization at Teotihuacan begins to decline and its people are migrating to the greatest Mayan city, Tikal, bringing with them ideas about weaponry and new ritual practices.

By topic

Medicine

The Sushruta Samhita medical book becomes a classic of medicine in India. The book contains descriptions of surgery, illnesses, medicinal plants, and a detailed study on anatomy.

Religion

Pope Symmachus, accused of various crimes by secular authorities who support an ecclesiastical opponent, asserts that the secular ruler has no jurisdiction over him. A synod held in 502 will confirm that view.

Births

Lou Zhaojun, empress dowager of Northern Qi
Xiao Tong, crown prince of the Liang Dynasty

Deaths