65 facts for kids

Year 65 (LXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday in the 1st century. It was a time of many important events, especially in the Roman Empire and for different religions around the world.

Events Around the World

In the Roman Empire

In the year 65, there was a lot of political tension in the Roman Empire.

• A Roman noble named Gaius Calpurnius Piso challenged the power of the Roman emperor Nero. This was a serious event, as going against the emperor could have big consequences.
• Cestius Gallus became the new governor, or "legate," of the Roman province of Syria. A legate was a high-ranking official who managed a Roman province.
• Emperor Nero became suspicious of many people, including Seneca, a famous philosopher and Nero's former teacher, and other important Romans. Nero took action against those he did not trust.
• Nero's wife, Poppea Sabina, died this year.

Religious Developments

The year 65 was also significant for the growth of several religions.

• Many historians believe that the Gospel of Matthew, one of the books in the Bible, was written around this time.
• Paul of Tarsus, an important figure in early Christianity, is traditionally believed to have made Timothy the bishop of Ephesus. A bishop is a leader in the Christian church.
• In China, the first official mention of Buddhism was made. This shows how Buddhism was starting to spread and become known in new parts of the world.
• The first Christian community in Africa was started by Mark, a follower of Peter. Mark also began writing his own gospel, the Gospel of Mark.
• It is thought that two Christian apostles, Thaddeus (also called Saint Jude) and Simon the Canaanite, died as martyrs in Armenia around this year. A martyr is someone who dies for their beliefs.

Important People Who Died

Several notable people passed away in 65 AD.

• April 30 – Lucan, a Roman poet and philosopher.
• Petronius, a Roman writer.
• Poppea Sabina, the wife of Emperor Nero.
• Piso (Gaius Calpurnius Piso), who had challenged Emperor Nero.
• Saint Jude, a Christian martyr in Armenia (likely this year).
• Simon the Canaanite, a Christian martyr in Armenia (likely this year).
• Seneca the Younger, a Roman statesman, philosopher, and teacher of Emperor Nero.