400 Facts for Kids

The year 400 AD was a special kind of year called a leap year. This means it had an extra day, February 29th, just like some years today. It started on a Sunday according to the Julian calendar, which was the main calendar used back then.

In those ancient times, people often named years after important leaders. So, the year 400 was known as the Year of the Consulship of Stilicho and Aurelianus. A consul was a very high-ranking official in the Roman Empire, similar to a president or prime minister today. Sometimes, people also referred to it as 1153 Ab urbe condita, which means "from the founding of the city" (referring to the founding of Rome). The number "400" for this year became common much later, during the Middle Ages, when the Anno Domini (AD) system, which counts years from the supposed birth of Jesus Christ, became popular in Europe.

Major Events in the Year 400
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Major Events in the Year 400

The year 400 AD was a time of big changes and movements across the world. Here are some of the important things that happened:

Alaric's Invasion of Italy

Around this time, a powerful leader named Alaric, who was the king of the Visigoths (a Germanic people), likely led his first invasion into Italy. The Visigoths were a strong group of people who were moving across Europe, and their arrival in Italy marked a significant challenge for the Roman Empire.

The Vandals Begin Their Journey

Another group of Germanic people, known as the Vandals, started a long journey westward. They began their trek from areas like Dacia (which is now part of Romania) and Hungary. This movement of the Vandals would eventually lead them to establish kingdoms in other parts of Europe and North Africa.

Building Starts at Great Zimbabwe

Far to the south, in what is now Zimbabwe, people began building and living at a place called Great Zimbabwe. This was a very important city and trading center for a powerful African kingdom. The construction here shows that advanced societies were thriving in different parts of the world.

Early People on Easter Island

Around the year 400, it's believed that the first humans arrived and settled on Easter Island. This small, isolated island in the Pacific Ocean is famous for its giant stone statues called Moai. The arrival of people here was a remarkable feat of navigation and exploration.

Chrysanthemums Come to Japan

The beautiful flower known as the Chrysanthemum was introduced to Japan around this period. These flowers became very important in Japanese culture, symbolizing royalty and perfection. They are still celebrated in Japan today.