380s facts for kids
The 380s were a busy time in history, especially for the Roman Empire. Many important events happened between the years 380 and 389. These years saw big changes in religion, leadership, and even the map of the world.
| Millennium: | 1st millennium |
| Centuries: | 3rd century – 4th century – 5th century |
| Decades: | 350s 360s 370s – 380s – 390s 400s 410s |
| Years: | 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 |
| Categories: | Births – Deaths – Architecture Establishments – Disestablishments |
The Year 380
In 380, the Roman Empire saw major religious changes. Emperor Theodosius I became baptized as a Christian. This was a big step for the empire.
On February 27, Theodosius I, along with co-emperors Gratian and Valentinian II, issued the Edict of Thessalonica. This important rule declared that all Roman citizens must become Christians. This made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.
Far away in Ireland, the famous Rock of Cashel was built. This site would become a very important place for Irish kings and religious leaders.
In the world of the Visigoths, a powerful Germanic group, their leader Fritigern died. His rival, Athanaric, then became the king of all the Goths. This changed the leadership for these people.
The Year 381
In 381, Roman Emperor Gratian moved the capital of the Western Roman Empire. He chose Mediolanum, which is known today as Milan in Italy. This was an important city for the empire.
The Visigothic king, Athanaric, made history. He became the first foreign king to visit Constantinople. This city was the capital of the East Roman Empire. His visit showed the changing relationship between the Romans and the Goths.
The Year 382
In 382, Emperor Gratian made another big change. He ordered the removal of the Altar of Victory from the Roman Senate. This altar was a traditional symbol of Roman paganism. Removing it showed the growing power of Christianity in the empire.
The Year 383
In 383, a new leader rose in Ireland. Niall of the Nine Hostages became the first High King of Ireland. This was a very important position for the Irish people.
In Roman Britain, the Picts, a group from what is now Scotland, attacked and took over parts of Hadrian's Wall. This wall was built to protect the Roman lands.
On January 19, Arcadius became a Roman Emperor. This added another ruler to the empire.
Roman soldiers in Britain chose their own leader, Magnus Maximus, as Emperor. He then moved his forces to the European continent and made Trier his capital city.
In Persia, King Ardashir II died after ruling for four years. His son, Shapur III, took his place as king.
The Year 384
In 384, Magnus Maximus returned to Britain. He went there to help fight against barbarian raids.
Emperor Theodosius I continued to strengthen Christianity. He issued a new rule that closed all pagan temples in the Nile Valley.
King Shapur III of Persia signed a peace treaty with Theodosius I. This treaty divided Armenia into two separate kingdoms.
On December 17, Pope Siricius became the new pope, the leader of the Christian church. He took over after Pope Damasus I died.
The Year 385
In 385, Jinsa of Baekje became the 16th king of the ancient Korean kingdom of Baekje.
In southern Africa, people started mining and working with copper in the Kansanshi mines. This was an important step for the region.
A historian named Ammianus Marcellinus began writing a detailed history. His work covered events from the years 96 to 378.
In Alexandria, a famous ancient city, the Serapeum was destroyed. This was a large temple dedicated to the god Serapis.
The Ancient Olympic Games saw their last reported athlete, Aurelios Zopyros. This marked the end of a very long tradition.
The Year 386
In 386, the Greuthungi, another Germanic group, crossed the Danube River. They raided Roman military bases in the area.
Magnus Maximus continued his actions by invading Italy.
In China, the Northern Wei Dynasty began. This was a new and important ruling family in Chinese history.
The Year 387
In the spring of 387, Emperor Theodosius I raised taxes in the city of Antioch. This made the local people very angry, and they started a riot.
Magnus Maximus invaded Italy again. This forced the young Emperor Valentinian II, who was only 16 years old, to leave Rome.
In the winter, Emperor Theodosius I took Valentinian II under his protection. This showed that Theodosius was supporting the young emperor.
The Year 388
In 388, a major battle took place. At the Battle of the Save, Emperor Theodosius I defeated Magnus Maximus near Emona. This was a big victory for Theodosius.
After the battle, Valentinian II was put back in power as the Roman Emperor.
On August 28, Magnus Maximus gave up at Aquileia and was executed. This ended his claim to be emperor.
Bahram IV became the new king of Persia (the Sassanid Empire). He was the twelfth ruler of this empire.
Emperor Chandragupta II, who ruled the Gupta Empire in India, started a war against the Western Satraps in West India.
The Year 389
In 389, all pagan buildings in Alexandria were destroyed by fire. This sad event also included the destruction of parts of the famous Library of Alexandria.
