762★★★★★
Founding of Baghdad
Caliph al-Mansur builds the 'Round City' of Baghdad as the Abbasid capital; it soon becomes one of the world's largest cities.
PoliticsCulture· Iraq
Events this year
Ongoing
c. 3rd century – c. 9th century★★★★★
Classic period of Maya civilization
Maya city-states such as Tikal, Palenque and Calakmul reach their height in architecture, writing, astronomy and calendrics.
CultureScience· Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras
c. 3rd century – c. 11th century★★★★★
The Ghana Empire in West Africa
The Soninke Ghana Empire (Wagadu) flourished in what is now Mauritania and Mali, growing rich from control of the trans-Saharan gold and salt trade.
DynastyEconomy· Mauritania, Mali
755 – 763★★★★★
An Lushan Rebellion
The revolt of An Lushan and Shi Siming causes massive loss of life and permanently weakens the Tang dynasty.
War· China