72

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Year 72 (LXXII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Augustus and Vespasianus (or, less frequently, year 825 Ab urbe condita). The denomination 72 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

• Antiochus IV of Syria is deposed by emperor Vespasian.
• Vespasian and Titus are Roman Consuls.
• First Jewish-Roman War: The Roman army (Legio X Fretensis) under Lucilius Bassus lay siege to the Jewish garrison of Machaerus at the Dead Sea. After they capitulate the Zealots are allowed to leave the fortress, before it is destroyed.
• The Romans lay siege to Masada, a desert fortress held by Jewish victims of the Sicarii.
• Foundation of Flavia Neapolis (Nablus).
• Construction on the Colosseum in Rome begins.

Births

• Julia Balbilla, poetess and princess from the Kingdom of Commagene

Deaths

• Thomas the Apostle

References