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402 facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Millennium: 1st millennium
Centuries: 4th century – 5th century – 6th century
Decades: 370s  380s  390s  – 400s –  410s  420s  430s
Years: 399 400 401 – 402 – 403 404 405

The year 402 AD was a common year in the Julian calendar. It started on a Wednesday. In the Roman Empire, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Arcadius and Honorius. This year saw important events, especially in Europe and Asia.

What Happened in 402 AD?

Important Births

  • Saint Patrick was born around this time. He is the patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick is famous for bringing Christianity to Ireland. He was kidnapped by pirates when he was young and taken to Ireland as a slave. After six years, he escaped and returned home. Later, he felt called to go back to Ireland as a missionary. He taught people about Christianity and established many churches. His feast day is celebrated on March 17th.

Key Events in the Roman Empire

  • Battles with the Goths: The Goths were a powerful Germanic people. In 402 AD, they were led by their king, Alaric I. Alaric led his army into Italy, which was part of the Western Roman Empire.
  • Battle of Pollentia: One of the most important battles of this year was the Battle of Pollentia. It happened on April 6th. The Roman general Stilicho led the Roman army against Alaric's Goths. The battle was fought near a town called Pollentia (modern-day Pollenzo).
  • Roman Victory: The Roman army won a victory against the Goths at Pollentia. This was a big win for the Romans, as it stopped Alaric's invasion of Italy for a while. However, the Goths were not completely defeated and would continue to be a threat to the Roman Empire.
  • Capital Moves to Ravenna: After the Gothic invasion, the Roman Emperor Honorius decided to move the capital of the Western Roman Empire. He moved it from Mediolanum (modern-day Milan) to Ravenna. Ravenna was chosen because it was easier to defend. It was surrounded by marshes and had a good port, making it a safer place for the emperor.

Events in Asia

  • Northern Wei Dynasty: In China, the Northern Wei dynasty was in power. This dynasty was founded by the Tuoba clan of the Xianbei people. They controlled a large part of northern China.
  • Buddhism in China: During this period, Buddhism continued to spread and grow in China. Many Buddhist temples and monasteries were built, and Buddhist texts were translated into Chinese.

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