608 CE

The Column of Phocas at Rome is dedicated in honour of Phocas. The Corinthian column has a height of 13.6 m (44 ft). Pope Boniface IV succeeds Boniface III, as the 67th pope of Rome. The observance of Halloween in the Roman Catholic Church is first recorded.

In the 600s, the 7th century.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • Heraclius proclaims himself and his son as consuls, claiming the imperial title—and mint coins with the two wearing the consular robes. Syria and Palaestina Prima revolt.source
  • Eochaid Buide succeeds his father Áedán mac Gabráin as king of Dál Riata (modern Scotland).source

Conflict & Security

  • Heraclian revolt: Heraclius the Elder, exarch of Africa, and his son (also named Heraclius) revolt against Emperor Phocas, whose regime in Constantinople has become unpopular and violent.source
  • Byzantine–Persian War: King Khosrau II invades Armenia, and raids deep into Anatolia through the Byzantine provinces of Cappadocia, Phrygia, Galatia, and Bithynia.source

Exploration & Expansion

  • Sui dynasty Emperor Yang of Sui expresses the desire to control routes to the West, leading to two and a half centuries of Chinese military and trading activities in Central Asia.source

Religion & Belief

  • August 1 – The Column of Phocas at Rome is dedicated in honour of Phocas. The Corinthian column has a height of 13.6 m (44 ft).source
  • September 25 – Pope Boniface IV succeeds Boniface III, as the 67th pope of Rome.source
  • The observance of Halloween in the Roman Catholic Church is first recorded.source
  • The Georgian Orthodox Church returns to Chalcedonism (approximate date).source

Births

  • Philibert of Jumièges, Frankish abbot (approximate date)source
  • Charibert II, king of Aquitaine (approximate date)source

Deaths

  • Áedán mac Gabráin, king of Dál Riatasource