The 6th century BC

292 sourced entries across 78 documented years, grouped into 8 decades. A century here runs 1900–1999 rather than 1901–2000, so its decades sit inside it exactly.

Decades

By subject

A few of the years

  • 579 BCEServius Tullius succeeds Lucius Tarquinius Priscus as king of Rome upon the latter's assassination. (traditional date)
  • 567 BCEMay 25—Servius Tullius, king of Rome, celebrates a triumph for his victory over the Etruscans.
  • 558 BCEThe Chinese state of Jin defeats its rival state of Qin in battle.
  • 548 BCEThe Temple of Apollo at Delphi, Greece is damaged in a fire. The Alcmaeonids rebuild the structure.
  • 537 BCEThe Jews lay the foundations for the Second Temple.
  • 528 BCE528 BC—Gautama Buddha attains Enlightenment, and begins his ministry.
  • 518 BCEConstruction begins on the Apadana (audience hall) of Darius and Xerxes, ceremonial complex, at Persepolis, Persia.
  • 510 BCEStelae begin to be banned in Athenian cemeteries (approximate date; ends c. 430 BC).