197 facts for kids

Year 197 was an important year in ancient times. It started on a Saturday in the Julian calendar, which was the calendar used by the Romans. This year saw big changes in the Roman Empire and other parts of the world.

Major Events of 197

Roman Empire: Power Struggles

The Battle of Lugdunum

On February 19, a huge battle happened. It was called the Battle of Lugdunum. This battle took place near a city now known as Lyon in France. The main fight was between two powerful Roman leaders. One was Emperor Septimius Severus. The other was Decimus Clodius Albinus. Albinus was trying to become emperor too. Emperor Septimius Severus won this battle. This made him the sole ruler of the Roman Empire.

Emperor Severus Returns to Rome

After his big victory, Emperor Septimius Severus went back to Rome. He was very powerful now. He removed about 30 people from the Roman Senate. These people had supported Albinus. The Senate was a group of important Roman leaders. Severus also created new units for the Roman navy. This helped make his military even stronger.

Roman Army Goes East

The Roman army then moved east. They went to stop an invasion by the Parthians in a region called Mesopotamia. The Roman soldiers were very successful. They took many valuable things from the royal palace in a city called Ctesiphon. They also took many people captive. These captives were forced to become servants.

Important Discoveries and Meetings

New Medical Knowledge

A famous doctor named Galen published a major book. It was about medicines and was called Pharmacologia. This book shared important knowledge about how to use different substances for health.

Christian Council in Edessa

In the city of Edessa, a meeting of Christian leaders took place. These meetings, called councils, were important for discussing beliefs and rules for the early Christian church.

People Born in 197

• Deng Ai, who later became a general in the Cao Wei kingdom (died in 264)

People Who Died in 197

• February 19 – Clodius Albinus, a rival who wanted to be Roman Emperor (born in 150)
• Cao Ang, the first son of a powerful warlord named Cao Cao (born in 175)
• Cao Anmin, a nephew of Cao Cao
• Dian Wei, a bodyguard for the warlord Cao Cao
• Guo Si, a general who served under Dong Zhuo (born in 146)
• Huche'er, a general who served under Zhang Xiu
• Li Jue, a general who served under Dong Zhuo
• Liang Gang, a general who served under Yuan Shu
• Qiao Rui, a general during the Han Dynasty
• Yue Jiu, a general during the Han Dynasty