556

Year 556 was a leap year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar. The denomination 556 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

King Chlothar I suppresses a revolt of the Saxons and Thuringii in Saxony. For some time he exacts a tribute of 500 cows every year.
Britain
King Cynric and his son Ceawlin of Wessex fight against the Britons at Beranburh, now identified as Barbury Castle in South West England.
Persia
Lazic War: A Byzantine expeditionary force under Justin retakes Archaeopolis, and routs the Persian army.
Siege of Phasis: The Persians are defeated at the besieged town of Phasis in Lazica, held by the Byzantines.
King Khosrau I opens negotiations with Justinian I, leading to the establishment of a 50 year peace agreement in 562.
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