50 CE

Paul travels to Philippi, Thessaloniki, Beroea, and Athens (second missionary journey). In Judaea, a Roman soldier seizes and burns a Torah scroll. Procurator Cumanus has the culprit beheaded, calming down local Jews and delaying for almost two decades the outbreak of their revolt. In Britain, governor Publius Ostorius Scapula begins his campaign against the recalcitrant Silures of south Wales, who are led by the former Catuvellaunian prince Caratacus. London (Londinium), Exeter (Isca Dumnoniorum), Tripontium (near modern Rugby) and the fort of Manduessedum (near modern Atherstone) are founded (approximate date).

In the 50s, the 1st century.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • The Yuezhi tribes are united under the Kushan leader Kujula Kadphises, thus creating the Kushan Empire in Afghanistan and northern India (approximate date).source
  • Utrecht is founded, and a Roman fortification (castellum) is constructed at the Rhine border in the present-day Netherlands.source
  • Cologne is raised to the status of a city.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • Paul travels to Philippi, Thessaloniki, Beroea, and Athens (second missionary journey).source

Religion & Belief

  • The Apostles hold the Council of Jerusalem (approximate date).source
  • Roman emperor Claudius appoints Agrippa II governor of Chalcis.source
  • The Epistle to the Romans is written (approximate date).source

Technology & Infrastructure

  • Romans build a wooden bridge across the Thames in the London area.source
  • Hero of Alexandria invents a steam turbine (possible date).source

Health & Medicine

  • In Judaea, a Roman soldier seizes and burns a Torah scroll. Procurator Cumanus has the culprit beheaded, calming down local Jews and delaying for almost two decades the outbreak of their revolt.source
  • Pedanius Dioscorides describes the medical applications of plants in De Materia Medica.source

Culture & Society

  • Christianity is introduced throughout Nubia by a high official of Queen Judith.source
  • The San Bartolo pyramid is completed around this time.source
  • Pamphilus of Alexandria writes a poetic lexicon.source
  • In Britain, governor Publius Ostorius Scapula begins his campaign against the recalcitrant Silures of south Wales, who are led by the former Catuvellaunian prince Caratacus. London (Londinium), Exeter (Isca Dumnoniorum), Tripontium (near modern Rugby) and the fort of Manduessedum (near modern Atherstone) are founded (approximate date).source

Births

  • Cai Lun, Chinese inventor of paper and the papermaking process (died 121)source

Deaths

  • Gamaliel the Elder, Jewish ruler (Nasi) in Babylonia (approximate date)source
  • Scribonius Largus, Roman court physician (born c. AD 1)source
  • Aulus Cornelius Celsus, Roman author of De Medicina (born c. 25 BC)source
  • Abgar V, Roman client king of Osroene (approximate date)source
  • Gaius Julius Phaedrus, Roman fabulist (born c. 15 BC)source
  • Philo of Alexandria, Jewish philosopher (born c. 20 BC)source