1stcentury

The 1st century, 1–100 CE, marks the first full century of the common era in the Julian calendar. It followed the 1st century BCE and preceded the 2nd century. Across different regions, it featured political consolidation, expanding empires, and the emergence of new religious and cultural currents.

In the Roman world, the empire was governed by a succession of emperors—Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. Rome expanded into Britain in 43 CE, and relative peace, trade, and urban development continued under a regime often described as Pax Romana. The century also saw major crises, including the Great Fire of 64 CE, the Jewish revolt beginning in 66 CE and culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, and the Year of the Four Emperors (68–69 CE).

In China, the Han dynasty was restored in 25 CE under Guangwu, initiating the Eastern Han period. The era strengthened imperial institutions and frontier administration, and it witnessed innovations such as paper, traditionally dated to around 105 CE, alongside intensified Silk Road trade linking China with Central and South Asia.

Religions and ideas expanded in this century. Early Christianity formed communities in Judea and the broader Roman world, aided by missionary activity attributed to figures such as Paul of Tarsus. Greek and Roman philosophical and scientific traditions persisted, while Buddhist and Hindu currents continued to influence South and Southeast Asia.

The 1st century laid foundations for late antique developments by consolidating imperial power, broadening exchange networks, and fostering religious movements that would shape global history.