557 BC
The year 557 BC was a year of the pre-Julian Roman calendar. In the Roman Empire, it was known as year 197 Ab urbe condita. The denomination 557 BC for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.Events
- May 19: The Persians besieged Larissa, a.k.a. Calah, but could not capture it. However, when a solar eclipse occurred, the inhabitants left their city and it was taken.
- Mahavira attained omniscience in this year.
- Labashi-Marduk was king of Babylon during this year. He succeeded Neriglissar, who reigned three years, and was followed by Nabonidus, the last king, who reigned 17 years.
- Santorini, Greece suffered from a volcanic eruption.
Births
- Siddharta Gautama, a.k.a. Buddha
Deaths