120 facts for kids
| Millennium: | 1st millennium |
|---|---|
| Centuries: | 1st century – 2nd century – 3rd century |
| Decades: | 90s 100s 110s – 120s – 130s 140s 150s |
| Years: | 117 118 119 – 120 – 121 122 123 |
The year 120 (written as CXX in Roman numerals) was a special kind of year called a leap year. It started on a Sunday in the Julian calendar, which was the calendar used back then. This year was full of interesting events, especially in the powerful Roman Empire and in different parts of Asia.
Contents
Key Events of 120 AD
Roman Empire Happenings
In the year 120, Hadrian, who was the powerful Roman emperor, made an important trip. He visited Britain, which was a part of the Roman Empire at the time. His visit was a big deal for the people living there.
During this year, a significant waterway called the Foss Dyke was built in Britain. This was an important construction project that helped with travel and trade.
Also, a group of special visitors from India came to meet Emperor Hadrian. These visitors were like ambassadors, representing their country and building connections with the Roman Empire.
A famous writer named Suetonius also got a new job. He became Hadrian's secretary, specifically in charge of letters and official documents. This role was called ab epistolis.
Around this time, a grand structure known as the Market Gate of Miletus was built. It came from a city called Miletus and was a very impressive building. Today, parts of this ancient gate can be seen in a museum in Berlin, Germany.
Events in Asia
In China, during the Eastern Han dynasty, there was a change in how years were named. The era name changed from Yuanchu to Yongning. This was a way of marking different periods during the emperor's rule.
Farther west, a group of people called the Scythians became very powerful in parts of India. They took control of large areas, including the Punjab region, Sind, the northern part of Gujarat, and even some areas in central India. This showed their strength and influence in the region.
People Born in 120 AD
- February 8 – Vettius Valens: He was an important astrologer from ancient Greece. Astrologers studied the stars to try and predict the future.
- Irenaeus: He became a Christian bishop and a strong supporter of the Christian faith.
- Lucian: From Syria, he was a skilled speaker and writer known for his funny and often critical stories, called satires. He wrote in the Greek language.
People Who Died in 120 AD
- for more information, see Category:120 deaths.
- Dio Chrysostom: A Greek historian and speaker who wrote about many topics.
- Nicomachus of Gerasa: A Greek mathematician who wrote important books about numbers.
- Sextus Pedius: A Roman lawyer who was known for his knowledge of Roman law.
- Saint Matthias of Jerusalem: He was a bishop in the city of Jerusalem.
- Marcian of Tortona: A Christian saint who was killed for his beliefs.
- Getulius and Saint Hermes: These were also Christian saints who were killed because of their faith.
