574 CE

Pope John III dies at Rome after a 13-year tenure. The Holy See becomes sede vacante until June of the following year. Emperor Justin II retires due to recurring seizures of insanity; he abdicates the throne in favour of his general Tiberius. Justin proclaims him Caesar and adopts him as his own son. The Visigoths under King Liuvigild invade Cantabria (Northern Spain), and destroy the city of Amaya (Burgos). He massacres the inhabitants and adds the province to the Visigothic Kingdom.

In the 570s, the 6th century.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • December 7 – Emperor Justin II retires due to recurring seizures of insanity; he abdicates the throne in favour of his general Tiberius. Justin proclaims him Caesar and adopts him as his own son.source
  • Áedán mac Gabráin becomes king of Dál Riata (Scotland) (approximate Date).source

Conflict & Security

  • The Visigoths under King Liuvigild invade Cantabria (Northern Spain), and destroy the city of Amaya (Burgos). He massacres the inhabitants and adds the province to the Visigothic Kingdom.source
  • The Persian Empire overthrows the Axumite- and Byzantine-affiliated regimes in Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).source
  • Winter – Empress Sophia and Tiberius agree to a one year truce with the Persians, at the cost of 45,000 solidi. The truce applies only to the Mesopotamian front; in the Caucasus, war continues.source

Religion & Belief

  • Marius Aventicensis is made bishop of Aventicum (modern Avenches).source

Climate & Environment

  • A major volcanic eruption occurs in the Antarctic.source

Births

  • February 7 – Shōtoku, prince and regent of Japan (died 622)source
  • Xiao Yu, prince of the Liang Dynasty (died 647)source

Deaths

  • July 13 – Pope John III dies at Rome after a 13-year tenure. The Holy See becomes sede vacante until June of the following year.source
  • King Cleph is murdered after an 18-month reign by a guard, a slave who he has mistreated. For the next decade, the Lombard Kingdom is governed by independent duchies (Rule of the Dukes).source
  • Cleph, king of the Lombards (or 575)source
  • Conall mac Comgaill, king of Dál Riatasource
  • Xuan, empress of Northern Zhousource