440 BCE
Democritus proposes the existence of indivisible particles, which he calls atoms. A temple for Poseidon is erected in Sounion. The stela, Demeter, Persephone and Triptolemos, from Eleusis, is made (approximate date). It is now kept at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
In the 440s BC, the 5th century BC.
Conflict & Security
- Zhou Kao Wang becomes king of the Zhou dynasty of China.source
- Samos, an autonomous member of the Delian League and one of Athens' principal allies with a substantial fleet of its own, quarrels with Miletus. Miletus, also a member of the Delian League, appeals to Athens for assistance. Pericles decides in favour of Miletus, so Samos revolts. Pericles then sails to Samos with a fleet to overthrow its oligarchic government and install a democratic one. Sparta threatens to interfere. However, at a congress of the Peloponnesian League, its members vote not to intervene on behalf of Samos against Athens.source
Science & Discovery
- Democritus proposes the existence of indivisible particles, which he calls atoms.source
Culture & Society
- Polykleitos completes one of his greatest statues, the Doryphorus (The Spear Bearer) (approximate date).source
- A temple for Poseidon is erected in Sounion.source
- The stela, Demeter, Persephone and Triptolemos, from Eleusis, is made (approximate date). It is now kept at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.source
Births
- Cynisca, Greek princess of Spartasource