379
Year 379 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Ausonius and Hermogenianus Olybrius|Hermogenianus]. The denomination 379 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
By place
Roman Empire
- January 19 - Emperor Gratian elevates Flavius Theodosius at Sirmium, giving him the title Augustus with power over all the eastern provinces. Theodosius comes to terms with the Visigoths and settles them in the Balkans as military allies.
- Gratian refuses the title of Eastern Emperor.
- Gratian renounces the title Pontifex Maximus.
- Britain is forced to endure fierce Barbarian raids.
Europe
Persia
- King Shapur II, ruler of the Persian Empire, age 70, dies after a 69-year reign in which he conquered Armenia (antiquity)|Armenia] and transferred multitudes of people from the western lands to Susiana. The great town Nishapur in Khorasan is also founded by him. His brother Ardashir II, governor-king of Adiabene, is placed by the nobles on the throne.
China
- Former Qin captures the city of Xiangyang from Eastern Jin. The Buddhist monk Dao'an is transferred from Xiangyang to Chang'an.
Mesoamerica
- September 13 - Yax Nuun Ayiin becomes ruler of Tikal.
By topic
Religion
- Gregory Nazianzus becomes Patriarch of Constantinople, and is wounded when he is attacked by a mob of heretics.
- John Chrysostom writes a book on the Christian education of children.
Births
Deaths
- January 1 - Basil the Great, bishop of Caesarea Mazaca
- July 19 - Macrina the Younger, Christian nun and saint
- Shapur II, ruler of the Sasanian Empire