271 facts for kids

A map showing the Roman Empire in 271 AD.

The year 271 (written as CCLXXI in Roman numerals) was a regular year that started on a Sunday, according to the Julian calendar. This year was a time of big changes and important events, especially for the Roman Empire.

Major Events of 271 AD

The Roman Empire Fights Back

In 271 AD, the Roman Empire was facing many challenges. Emperor Aurelian was a strong leader who worked hard to protect Rome and its lands.

Aurelian's Victories

• Emperor Aurelian successfully pushed back the Vandals, a group of people who were trying to invade Pannonia (an area that is now part of countries like Hungary and Austria).
• In January, a group called the Alamanni invaded Italy. They attacked and took over the city of Piacenza. This was a serious threat to Rome itself!
• Aurelian quickly moved his army to stop them. In the Battle of Fano, he defeated the Germanic tribes near the Metauro River. This victory helped protect Rome.
• The Roman army then chased the Alamanni. In the Battle of Pavia, Aurelian's forces completely defeated them in Lombardy, a region in northern Italy.

Protecting Rome: The Aurelian Walls

• After these close calls with invaders, Emperor Aurelian decided Rome needed better protection. He started building a huge new defensive wall around the city. These walls, known as the Aurelian Walls, were a massive project meant to keep Rome safe from future attacks.

Uprisings and New Leaders

• Not everyone was happy with Aurelian. A financial minister named Felicissimus led an uprising against the Emperor. However, Felicissimus was defeated and killed on the Caelian Hill in Rome.
• In the Gallic Empire (a part of the Roman Empire that had broken away, including areas like Gaul and Britain), Emperor Victorinus was killed. For a short time, a person named Domitianus became Emperor, but he was quickly replaced by Tetricus I.

Zenobia's Empire in Syria

• Far away in Syria, a powerful queen named Zenobia declared herself Empress. She decided to break all ties with the Roman Empire, wanting her kingdom to be fully independent.
• Zenobia even gave her young son, Vaballathus, the important Roman title of Augustus. This showed she saw him as an equal to the Roman Emperor.

Cool Discoveries and Ideas

Learning and Inventions

• King Shapur I of Persia built the Academy of Gundishapur in Iran. This was a very important center for learning and medicine in ancient times.
• In China, people started using a magnetic compass for the first time. This amazing invention helped people find their way and explore new places.

People Born in 271 AD

• Sima Wei, a prince during the Jin Dynasty in China (died in 291 AD).

People Who Died in 271 AD

• Ding Feng, a general from the Kingdom of Wu in China.
• Domitianus, who was briefly Emperor of the Gallic Empire.
• Felicissimus, a Roman financial minister who led an uprising.
• Liu Shan, the last Emperor of the Kingdom of Shu in China (born in 207 AD).
• Pei Xiu, a minister and map-maker (cartographer) from the Kingdom of Wei in China (born in 224 AD).
• Sima Wang, a general from the Jin Dynasty (born in 205 AD).
• Victorinus, an Emperor of the Gallic Empire.

See also

In Spanish: 271 para niños