ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

The Year 398 BC: A Time of Conflict and Change

In the pre-Julian Roman calendar, 398 BC was a pivotal year marked by significant events in various regions of the ancient world. This period saw the rise of new leaders, the continuation of ongoing conflicts, and notable achievements in science and technology.

One of the most prominent figures of this era was Denys the Elder, tyrant of Syracuse, who vainly attempted to rally Rhégion through diplomacy before joining forces with Locres to retake the city. In 397 BC, he married a Locrian aristocrat, further solidifying his alliances. To prepare for war against Carthage, Denys reinforced the walls of Syracuse and invented the catapult, an early precursor to modern artillery. He also constructed the fortress of Euryalos in Syracuse, which was completed during this year.

Denys's military efforts were bolstered by a large fleet, comprising half Syracusans and Greeks from Sicily, as well as mercenaries mostly from Laconia. To fund these operations, he called a convention and declared that Demeter had ordered him to place all women's ornaments in his temple, commanding those who wished to wear jewelry to make an offering to the deity.

In Rome, 13 October marked the entry of military tribes with consular power, including Lucius Valerius Potitus, Lucius Furius Medullinus, Marcus Furius Camillus, Quintus Servilius Fidenas, and others. A Roman mission was sent to consult the oracle of Delphi regarding a sudden flood in Lake Albe, which received an ambiguous response.

Meanwhile, in Sparta, the beginning of the reign of Agesilas (444-360 BC) marked the end of his brother Agis's succession claim. After Lysandre intervened on behalf of Agésilas, he was appointed king by the city. This period also saw the Greek admiral Conon, who had previously exiled himself with a number of men, take refuge in the court of Evagoras in Cyprus.

In Jerusalem, the priest Ezra appeared during this year, marking an important event in Jewish history.

The Natural World

The Pankré Baobab tree would have sprouted during this time period.