557 BC explained

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 besiege Larissa (Calah) but fail to capture it. However, when a solar eclipse occurs, the inhabitants leave their city and it is taken.^[1]
• Labashi-Marduk is king of Babylon during this year, succeeding Neriglissar, who reigned three years, and is followed by Nabonidus, who reigns 17 years.^[2]
• Santorini, Greece suffers from a volcanic eruption.^[3]

Births

• Siddharta Gautama, also known as the Buddha^[4] (year of birth not precisely known)

Notes and References

1. Solar Eclipses and Ancient History. Jennings, S. Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Vol.2, pg. 172
2. Web site: Babylon, History and Religion of - Holman Bible Dictionary -.
3. Web site: Tinos . 2012-10-25 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140228140757/http://www.crossroadsinn.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&Itemid=53&lang=en . 2014-02-28 .
4. Web site: Introductory Note. 1909-14. Buddhist Writings. The Harvard Classics.