AD 68

Template:C1YearInTopic Year 68 (LXVIII) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar.

Events

By place

Roman Empire

• June 8—The Roman Senate accepts emperor Galba.
• June 9—Roman Emperor Nero commits suicide.
• Legio I Macriana liberatrix and Legio I Adiutrix are created.
• Last year covered by Tacitus' Annals, a history of the Roman Empire.
• Lucius Clodius Macer revolts against emperor Nero.
• Marcus Ulpius Trajanus, father of Trajan, becomes consul.
• Trajan moves to Scythopolis and crosses the Jordan River with Legio X Fretensis. He lays siege to Jericho and destroyes the monastery of Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are originated.
• The Roman Senate declares Nero persona non grata. Galba succeeds Nero.
• The year of the four emperors: Galba (68), Otho (69) and Vitellius (69) all govern a very short time before Vespasian becomes emperor.
• Winter—Trajan sets up camp at Jericho and the Romans cut off escape routes to Jerusalem.

Asia

• A bridge suspended by iron chains is constructed in China.

Ongoing events

• Roman Empire. The Jewish Revolt in Judea (66–70 AD).

By topic

Religion

• Buddhism officially arrives in China with the building of the White Horse Temple.
• Ignatius of Antioch becomes the third bishop of Antioch.
• The Gospel of Mark is written (probable date).
• The Essenes place the Dead Sea Scrolls in the caves at Qumran.

Deaths

• April 25 – Saint Mark, the first Pope of Alexandria and the founder of Christianity in Africa
• June 9—Nero, emperor of the Roman Empire, suicide
• Onesimus, Bishop of Byzantium
• Vindex, rebellious governor