Century
8th Century BCE
What happened in the 8th Century BCE.
ReligionConstruction of the Temple of Kukulcán at Chichén Itzác. 800 CE · Chichén Itzá, MexicoThe iconic pyramid dedicated to the feathered serpent god is built during the Puuc-Toltec fusion period.
ExplorationSettlement of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)c. 800 CE · Rapa Nui (Easter Island), ChilePolynesian navigators reach the remote Rapa Nui and establish a unique island society.
ExplorationEstablishment of Malaca (Malaga) by Phoeniciansc. 770 BCE · Malaga (Malaca), SpainPhoenician traders establish a major colony on the Iberian Peninsula for salt and metal trade.
WarAn Lushan Rebellion Begins755 CE · Chang'an, ChinaGeneral An Lushan revolts against Emperor Xuanzong, devastating the Tang Dynasty and population.
DisasterCatastrophic Floods and Collapse of Moche San José de Moroc. 750 CE · Lambayeque Valley, PeruEl Niño floods devastate Moche infrastructure leading to societal transformation.
CivilizationRise of the Etruscan League in Central Italyc. 750 BCE · Tarquinia (Cerveteri), ItalyEtruscan city-states form a powerful confederation dominating central Italy and influencing Rome.
WarKushite Conquest of Egypt (25th Dynasty)c. 747 BCE · Thebes, EgyptKing Piye of Kush conquers Upper and Lower Egypt, establishing the first African-led dynasty in Egyptian history.
ScienceEstablishment of the Babylonian Astronomical Observatoriesc. 747 BCE · Babylon, IraqBabylonian priests begin systematic nightly recording of planetary movements and eclipses.
WarKushite Conquest of Egypt Establishes 25th Dynastyc. 744 BCE · Napata, Nubia (Modern Sudan)King Piye of Kush conquers Upper Egypt, establishing the 25th Dynasty and restoring traditional Egyptian religious practices.
WarDeath of Ah Cacao and Fall of Copán's Dynasty738 CE · Copán, HondurasThe king of Copán is captured and executed by his rival from Quiriguá, ending a golden age.
PoliticsFounding of Dur-Sharrukin by Sargon IIc. 717 BCE · Khorsabad (Dur-Sharrukin), IraqSargon II builds a new capital city to project Assyrian power and administrative control.
ArtConstruction of Sennacherib's Palace at Ninevehc. 705 BCE · Nineveh (Mosul), IraqSennacherib expands Nineveh into a magnificent capital filled with art and libraries.
WarAssyrian Siege and Sack of Lachishc. 701 BCE · Lachish (Tell ed-Duweir), IsraelSennacherib's Assyrian army brutally conquers the fortified Judean city of Lachish.