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Millennium: 1st millennium
Centuries: 1st century · 2nd century · 3rd century
Decades: 100s 110s 120s 130s 140s
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East-Hem 200ad

Eastern Hemisphere in 200 AD.

The 2nd century is the period from 101 to 200 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Christian Era. It is considered part of the Classical era, epoch, or historical period

Early in the century, the Roman Empire attained its greatest expansion under the emperor Trajan, but after his death became primarily defensive for the rest of its history. Much prosperity took place throughout the empire at this time, ruled as it were by the Five Good Emperors, a succession of just and able rulers. This period also saw the removal of the Jews from Jerusalem during the reign of Hadrian after Bar Kokhba's revolt. The last quarter of the century saw the end of the period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana at the death of the emperor Marcus Aurelius, last of the "Five Good Emperors", and the accession of his ineffective and deranged son Commodus.

Although the Han Dynasty of China was firmly cemented into power and extended its imperial influence into Central Asia during the first half of the century, by the second half there was widespread corruption and open rebellion. This set in motion its ultimate decline, until it was overthrown in 220.

Events[]

Hadrian's wall at Greenhead Lough

Pieces of Hadrian's Wall remain near Greenhead and along the route, though large sections have been dismantled over the years to use the stones for various nearby construction projects.

Significant persons[]

Inventions, discoveries, introductions[]

  • Cai Lun of China invents paper (c. 105)
  • Ptolemy compiles a catalogue of all stars visible to the naked eye. He also compiles three of the most influential books in western history:
  • the Almagest which becomes the basis for western and Middle Eastern astronomy until the time of Copernicus and Kepler;
  • the astrological treatise, Tetrabiblos;
  • and the Geographia



Decades and Years[]


This page uses content from the English language Wikipedia. The original content was at 2nd century. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with this Familypedia wiki, the content of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons License.
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