316

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Saint Blaise confronting the Roman governor (13th century)

Year 316 (CCCXVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Sabinus and Rufinus (or, less frequently, year 1069 Ab urbe condita). The denomination 316 for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.

Events

By place

Roman Empire

• Emperor Constantine the Great issues an edict prohibiting the punishment of slaves by crucifixion and facial branding.
• Constantine I sends his half-brother Julius Constantius to Licinius at Sirmium (Pannonia), with the proposal to accept Bassianus as Caesar and his power over Italy. Licinius refuses and forces a conspiracy against Constantine.
• Licinius elevates Valerius Valens to Augustus, and mobilises an army against Constantine. Bassianus is accused of conspiracy and executed.
• December – Battle of Mardia: Constantine I defeats his rival Licinius and senior officier Valerius Valens near the town of Harmanli (Bulgaria).

Asia

• The Xiongnu sack Chang'an, capital of the Chinese Western Jin Dynasty. Emperor Jin Mindi surrenders to Liu Yao.
• The Western Jin Dynasty ends and Ancient China is divided.

By topic

Religion

• At the request of the Roman Catholic Church, Constantine I attempts to end the schism with the Donatist church.

Births

• Constantine II, Roman emperor (d. 340)
• St. Martin of Tours (see 317) (approximate date)

Deaths

• Bassianus, Roman advisor and senator
• Saint Blaise, bishop of Sebastea (martyred)
• Tuoba Pugen, chieftain of the Tuoba clan (China)
• Tuoba Yilu, chieftain of the Tuoba clan

References