What Happened in Ancient Times , 105 and 106 AD?

In 105 and 106 AD, the Roman Empire saw further advancements from their leader, Trajan. With war came architectural innovation. The religious views of Christianity were being formed with the acknowledgement of the Catholic Church. In this article, you will learn more about the ancient events and people associated with 105 and 106 AD.

In Europe

During 105 AD, Emperor Trajan began a second expedition against Dacia, which took the Imperial Roman fleet away from the civilization. After ruling for 27 years, Pacorus II of Parthia dies. Parcorus gained power when his brother, Vologases died. He revolted against his brother’s son and eventual successor Vologases II , triumphantly defeating and deposing the man. By the time of his death, Pacorus had reclaimed all of his empire. When Vologasese III succeeded him, he reigned until 147 AD , keeping the peace and preventing rebellions from getting out of hand.

The completion of the Trajan Bridge is marked in 105 AD. It becomes the longest arch bridge (in total and span length) in the world, holding the title for more than 1,000 years. The bridge was also the first to be constructed over the lower Danube. The Greek architect Apollodorus of Damascus was responsible for the building of the bridge, which was meant to help Roman troops advance towards Dacia during their war.

In 106 AD, Trajan takes the Dacian fortresses of the Orastie Mountains and surrounds the capital, Sarmisegetusa. As fighting continues in the Battle of Sarmisugetusa, the Dacians are defeated. The Romans destroy the water pipes of the city, which prompts king Decebalus to flee and take his own life. Dacia becomes a Roman province now known as Romania. The longest-serving members of the legions are given land for their faithfulness in the army.

Around 106 AD, the earliest surviving record that used the term ‘Catholic Church’ appears in a letter written by Ignatius , who served as the third bishop of Antioch and was student of John the Apostle. His letters would later become known as the early building blocks of Christian theology.

In Asia

When Emperor He Di dies in 105 AD, his 17-year reign comes to an end. As a result, the court eunuchs and the emperor’s in-laws regain influence. Empress Deng Sui places her son Shang Di on the throne even though he is only three months old. The infant becomes the fifth emperor of the Chinese Eastern Han Dynasty. Unfortunately, the bloodline was known to produce infant sons that did not live long. Shang died the next year. After participating in a war that raged on since 85, Baekje and Silla sign a peace treaty that ends the fighting in the Korean peninsula.

In China, a eunuch named Cai Lun receives acknowledgement for his methods of papermaking. Using tree bark, hemp, remnant rags and fishnets, Cai Lun devised a cost-effective way to produce paper that was considered better than previous methods. When making books and scrolls, bamboo and wooden slips were the materials of choice outside of China. These traditions would last another 200 years for the rest of the world. The Chinese would hold tight to their secret of paper for 500 years.