385 BC facts for kids

Year 385 BC was a year in ancient times. It was part of the early Roman calendar. Back then, it was known as the Year of the Tribunate of Capitolinus, Cornelius, Capitolinus, Papirius, Capitolinus and Fidenas. This long name referred to the important leaders (called tribunes) who were in charge that year.

What Happened in 385 BC?

Important Events Around the World

Changes in Greece

• A man named Jason of Pherae became the powerful ruler, or tyrant, of a region called Thessaly. A tyrant in ancient Greece was a ruler who took power, often by force, but wasn't always seen as bad.
• Dionysius I of Syracuse, who was a strong leader in Sicily (an island near Italy), tried to help Alcetas I of Epirus get his throne back. Alcetas was a king who had lost his power.
• Bardyllis became the king of Illyria and the Dardani people. He started a new royal family line, known as the Bardyllian Dynasty.

Learning and Science in 385 BC

Plato Opens His Famous Academy

• The famous Greek thinker Plato started his school, which he called the Academy. This was a very important place for learning.
• At the Academy, students learned about many subjects. These included mathematics, astronomy (the study of stars and planets), and other sciences. They also studied philosophy, which is about big ideas and how we think.
• The Academy was named after a Greek hero called Academus.
• Kind people who supported learning (called philanthropists) paid for everything at the Academy. This meant that students did not have to pay any fees to attend!

Discoveries in Astronomy

• A smart person named Democritus shared an exciting idea. He announced that the Milky Way, which looks like a cloudy band in the night sky, is actually made up of countless tiny stars. This was a big step in understanding our universe!

Deaths

for more information, see Category:385 BC deaths.

See also