758 Explained

Events

By Place

Asia

• Emperor Junnin succeeds Empress Kōken on the throne of Japan.
• During the turmoil of the An Shi Rebellion, the Chinese seaport Guangzhou is sacked by Arab and Persian raiders. The port is shut down for the next five decades while foreign vessels dock at Hanoi instead, yet Guangzhou thrives again once it is reopened to foreign trade in the early 9th century.
• June 11 - Abbasid Arabs and Uyghur Turks arrive simultaneously at Chang'an, the Tang Chinese capital, in order to offer tribute to the imperial court. The Arabs and Turks bicker and fight over diplomatic prominence at the gate, in order to present tribute before the other. A settlement was reached when both were allowed to enter at the same time, but through two different gates to the palace.

Europe

• King Desiderius of the Lombards captures Spoleto and Benevento.
• Swithred is succeeded by Sigeric as King of Essex.

Births

• Theodore the Studite, monk (approximate date)

Deaths

• Chen Xilie, chancellor of Tang China
• Swithred, King of Essex