538 - Definition and Overview

Events

• End of the Kofun and beginning of the Asuka period, the second part of the Yamato period in Japan.
• Buddhism introduced formally into Japan (by some accounts; see also 552).
• End of the Ostrogothic siege of Rome.
• Gabhran becomes king of Dalriada.

Births

• Emperor Bidatsu of Japan
• Gregory of Tours, bishop and historian
• Zhiyi, de facto founder of Tiantai Buddhism

Deaths

• February 8 - Saint Severinus of Antioch, patriarch of Antioch
• Comgall, King of Dalriada