476 facts for kids

The year 476 AD was a very important time in history. It is often seen as the end of the Western Roman Empire. This empire had been powerful for hundreds of years. Many big changes happened in Europe and Asia during this year.

Key Events of 476

The End of the Western Roman Empire

On September 4, 476, a major event took place. Romulus Augustus, who was the last Western Roman Emperor, was removed from power. He was very young when he became emperor. A powerful soldier named Odoacer took over. Odoacer was a leader of a group of Germanic soldiers. He decided not to name a new emperor. Instead, he sent the emperor's symbols back to the Eastern Roman Empire. This act is often seen as the official end of the Western Roman Empire. Romulus Augustus was sent to live in a castle in Italy.

Changes in the Eastern Roman Empire

While the Western Roman Empire was ending, the Eastern Roman Empire (also called the Byzantine Empire) was still strong. In August 476, there was a big change in its leadership. A ruler named Basiliscus had taken the throne without permission. He was known as a "usurper." However, the rightful emperor, Zeno, was able to get his power back. Basiliscus was removed, and Zeno became the Eastern Roman Emperor again. This showed that the Eastern Empire was more stable than the West.

Religious Leadership

In the year 476, a religious leader named Peter the Fuller was also restored to his position. He became the Patriarch of Antioch again. A patriarch is a very high-ranking bishop in some Christian churches. This event was important for the religious history of the time.

Important People of 476

Notable Births

The year 476 saw the birth of Aryabhata. He was a very famous Indian mathematician and astronomer. Aryabhata made huge contributions to math and science. He worked on topics like place value, zero, and the movements of planets. His ideas were very advanced for his time.

Notable Deaths

Several important people died in 476. On August 28, Flavius Orestes passed away. He was the father of Romulus Augustus, the last Western Roman Emperor. Orestes was a powerful general, known as the "master of soldiers." He had put his son on the throne. His death was part of the big changes happening in the Western Roman Empire.

Also, Emperor Xianwen of Northern Wei died in 476. He was an emperor from a dynasty in China. His death marked a moment in the history of the Northern Wei dynasty.

Images for kids

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  Romulus Augustus gives up his crown

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  Castel dell'Ovo castle, located in the Gulf of Naples

See also

In Spanish: 476 para niños