616 - Definition and Overview

Events

• The Persians capture Alexandria.
• Eadbald succeeds Ethelbert as king of Kent.
• Aethelfrith of Northumbria defeats the army of Powys.
• Aethelfrith meets Rædwald and the army of East Anglia in the Battle of the River Idle, is slain by Raedwald, which establishes his claim as Bretwalda.
• Edwin becomes king of Northumbria.
• Oswald of Northumbria flees to Iona.
• Adaloald succeeds his father Agilulf as king of the Lombards (approximate date).
• Alexandria is captured by Khosrau II of Persia.
• The Banu Hashim clan begins to boycott Muhammad.
• A shrine on the site of the future Westminster Abbey is founded.

Births

Deaths

• February 24 - Ethelbert, king of Kent and Bretwalda
• Aethelfrith, king of Northumbria (killed in battle)
• Saebert, king of Essex (approximate date)
• Agilulf, king of the Lombards (approximate date)
• St. John the Merciful (approximate date)