496 BC

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Events

By place

Greece

* Cyprus throws off Persian domination and joins the Ionian Revolt.
* Hipparchos, son of Charmos (a relative of the 6th century BC tyrant Peisistratos), wins the archonship of Athens as leader of the peace party which argues that resistance against the Persians is useless.

Roman republic

* The former Etruscan King of Rome, Tarquinius Superbus, who has been exiled by the Romans in 508 BC, and his ally Lars Porsena, the King of Clusium, are defeated by the new Roman Republic army in the Battle of Lake Regillus, near Frascati. The outcome of this battle establishes Roman supremacy over the Latins.
* Carthage and Rome make a treaty whereby Roman ships undertake not to trade to the west of Carthage while the Carthaginians undertake not to interfere in Latin politics.

China

* King Goujian of Yue defeats and banishes King Fuchai of Wu, gaining a temporary hegemony in ancient China during the Spring and Autumn Period.

Births

* Sophocles, Athenian dramatist and statesman (d. 406 BC)

Deaths

* Sun Tzu, military philosopher and author of The Art of War (most likely a colloquial date) (b. 544 BC)
* King Helü of Wu, king of the Chinese State of Wu