Great earthquake at Antioch, which destroys the city; 250,000 persons perish.
The Eastern Empire begins war with Persia.
527. Justinian proclaimed joint augustus, soon after which, by the death of Justin, he becomes sole emperor.
Use of the Christian era introduced by Dionysius Exiguus.
528. Thuringia conquered by the Franks.
529. Julian, leader of a Jewish and Samaritan revolt, is made prisoner and beheaded.
Justinian issues edicts against philosophers, heretics, and pagans. See [PUBLICATION OF THE JUSTINIAN CODE], iv, 138. Closing of the schools at Athens.
530. Benedict founds his new monastic order; the principal seat is Monte Casino, Campania.[77]
Belisarius, the greatest general of the Byzantine empire, defeats the Persians at Dara.
531. Alamundarus, at the head of the Persians and Saracens, defeats Belisarius, who maintains his ground against their nearly overwhelming force.