165 CE

Discourse to the Greek (Oratio ad Graecos), by the Syrian Tatian, is the first treatise on the evils of paganism in Christian literature. The philosopher Justin of Nablus is executed in Rome as a Christian. Antonine Plague: A pandemic breaks out in Rome, after the Roman army returns from Parthia. The plague significantly depopulates the Roman Empire and China.

In the 160s, the 2nd century.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • Marcus Aurelius creates 4 legal districts (iuridici) in Italy (5 if Rome is included).source
  • Sindae becomes ruler of the Korean kingdom of Goguryeo.source

Conflict & Security

  • Legio II Italica is levied by Emperor Marcus Aurelius.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • The Romans establish a garrison at Doura Europos on the Euphrates, a control point for the commercial route to the Persian Gulf.source
  • A Roman military expedition under Avidius Cassius is successful against Parthia, capturing Artaxata, Seleucia on the Tigris, and Ctesiphon. The Parthians sue for peace.source
  • Avidius Cassius takes Nisibis, and conquers the north of Mesopotamia.source

Religion & Belief

  • Discourse to the Greek (Oratio ad Graecos), by the Syrian Tatian, is the first treatise on the evils of paganism in Christian literature.source

Health & Medicine

  • Antonine Plague: A pandemic breaks out in Rome, after the Roman army returns from Parthia. The plague significantly depopulates the Roman Empire and China.source

Crime & Justice

  • Dura-Europos is taken by the Romans.source

Births

  • Tiberius Claudius Cleobulus, Roman politician (died 213)source
  • Mi Zhu (or Zizhong), Chinese official and advisor (died 221)source
  • Annia Faustina, Roman noblewoman (died 218)source
  • Shi Hui, Chinese official and statesman (died 227)source
  • Marcus Opellius Severus Macrinus, Roman emperor (died 218)source

Deaths

  • Deng Mengnü (or Bo Mengnü), Chinese empresssource
  • Justin Martyr, Christian apologist (born AD 100)source
  • Peregrinus Proteus, Greek philosopher (born AD 95)source
  • Chadea, Korean ruler of Goguryeo (born AD 71)source
  • Taejodae, Korean ruler of Goguryeo (born AD 47)source
  • Claudius Ptolemaeus, Greek astronomer (approximate date)source
  • Appian, Greek historian and writer (approximate date)source
  • The philosopher Justin of Nablus is executed in Rome as a Christian.source
  • Elpinice, daughter of Herodes Atticus (born AD 142)source