ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

The Year 689

The year 689 was a common year that began on a Friday according to the Julian calendar. This year marked significant events in various regions, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.

In Europe, the year 689 saw several notable occurrences. One of the most prominent events took place at Dorestad, where King Radbod of the Frisians was defeated by Pippin of Herstal, the Frankish mayor of the palace. This battle had a significant impact on the region, as it led to the West Friesland being taken over by Pépin.

In England, Prince Oswald, brother of King Osric of Hwicce, founded Pershore Abbey in Worcestershire around this time. Additionally, Cædwalla, the abdicated king of Wessex, died on July 8th, ten days after his baptism by Pope Serge.

Meanwhile, in Italy, Grimoald II, Duke of Benevento, played a crucial role in the Lombard kingdom's politics during this year. The Catholicism became a state religion under his leadership.

In Asia, the Asuka Kiyomihara Code was promulgated by Empress Jitô of Japan, marking an important milestone in Japanese history. Furthermore, the naval defeat of the kingdom of Tarumanagara at Sriwijaya led to the city-state gaining hegemony over the straits of the Sound and Malacca.

The Byzantine Empire also had significant events during this year. A peace treaty was signed with the Omayyads for ten years, which included agreements on taxes from Armenia, Cyprus, Iberia, and other territories. Justinian II agreed to move the Mardaïts mountains into Thrace, Cilicia, and Pamphylia.

In Japan, Rōben, a Japanese Buddhist monk, was born in 689. In Ireland, Saint Kilian, an Irish monk and evangelizer of northern Gaul, passed away on July 8th.

Notable Figures

The year 689 saw the birth or death of several notable figures, including:

* Othmar, Swiss abbot
* Rōben, Japanese Buddhist monk
* Cædwalla, abdicated king of Wessex
* Kilian, Irish monk and evangelizer of northern Gaul
* Alahis, king (usurper) of the Lombards
* Grimoald II, Duke of Bene