486 B. C. The accession of Xerxes the magnificent to the Persian throne,
_Nar. Era_, 263. When Darius Hystaspes, his father, was cut off, he had
reigned 36 years, from the _thoth_ of N. E. 227, corresponding with the
first day of January B. C. 521. The year 485, in which he died, is
remarkable for two facts, the conquest of Syracuse under Gelon, and a
comic work by Epicharmus, who added the Greek letters _chi_ and _theta_
to his native alphabet.
176. MARCUS ANTONINUS entered Rome in triumph, after his German
victories on the Danube, accompanied by his monstrous son Commodus.
400. Naval battle of the Hellespont, and defeat of Gainas the barbarian;
who was despatched in Thrace.
558. CHILDEBERT I, king of France, died. His great military exploit was
the defeat of the king of Burgundy.