386 CE

Saint Ambrose defends the rights of the Catholic Church with respect to those of the State. A column is constructed at Constantinople in honour of Theodosius I. Reliefs depict the emperor's victory over the barbarians in the Balkan. The Northern Wei Dynasty begins in China. The Tuoba clan of the Xianbei tribe (proto-Mongol people) is politically separated from the Chinese dynasties established in Jiankang (modern Nanjing). The Northern Wei rulers are ardent supporters of Buddhism. Prince Dao Wu Di, age 15, becomes the first emperor (see Northern dynasties).

In the 380s, the 4th century.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • Emperor Theodosius I signs a peace treaty with King Shapur III; they divide Armenia into two kingdoms (vassal states). The treaty establishes friendly relations between the Roman Empire and Persia for the next 36 years.source
  • A column is constructed at Constantinople in honour of Theodosius I. Reliefs depict the emperor's victory over the barbarians in the Balkan.source

Conflict & Security

  • Magnus Maximus invades Italy; he destroys Novara for supporting his rival Valentinian II.source

Religion & Belief

  • John Chrysostom becomes a presbyter; he also writes eight Homilies entitled "Adversus Iudaeos" ("Against the Jews").source
  • Saint Ambrose defends the rights of the Catholic Church with respect to those of the State.source
  • Augustine converts to Christianity. He ends his marriage plans after hearing a sermon on the life of Saint Anthony.source
  • Sumela Monastery is established in Asia Minor.source
  • The fight in the Roman Empire against anti-pagan laws becomes increasingly futile.source

Technology & Infrastructure

  • Theodosius I begins to rebuild the present-day Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.source

Disasters & Accidents

  • The Greuthungi cross the Danube to raid the Roman garrisons on the northern frontier. They are met midstream by a well-armed fleet, and their rafts and dugouts sink. Those not drowned are slaughtered.source

Culture & Society

  • The Northern Wei Dynasty begins in China. The Tuoba clan of the Xianbei tribe (proto-Mongol people) is politically separated from the Chinese dynasties established in Jiankang (modern Nanjing). The Northern Wei rulers are ardent supporters of Buddhism. Prince Dao Wu Di, age 15, becomes the first emperor (see Northern dynasties).source

Births

  • Nestorius, founder of Nestorianism (approximate date)source
  • Jin Gongdi, last emperor of the Jin Dynasty (died 421)source

Deaths

  • November 23 – Jin Feidi, emperor of the Jin Dynasty (born 342)source
  • Pulcheria, daughter of Theodosius I (born 385)source
  • Fu Pi, emperor of the Former Qinsource
  • Yang, empress of the Former Qinsource
  • Murong Zhong, emperor of the Western Yansource
  • Duan Sui, ruler of the Western Yansource
  • Cyril of Jerusalem, theologian and saintsource
  • Demophilus, Patriarch of Constantinoplesource
  • Murong Yi, ruler of the Western Yansource
  • Murong Chong, emperor of the Western Yan (born 359)source
  • Murong Yao, emperor of the Western Yansource
  • Wang Xianzhi, Chinese calligrapher (born 344)source