434 BC

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Events

By place

Greece

* Under the leadership of Pericles, Athens introduces a series of measures (the "Megarian decree") imposing an economic embargo on Megara for violations of land sacred to Demeter. According to the provisions of the decree, Megarian merchants are to be excluded from the market of Athens and the ports in its empire. This ban strangles the Megarian economy and strains the fragile peace between Athens and Sparta, which is allied with Megara.
* Philip, brother of Perdiccas II of Macedon challenges Perdiccas for the throne, and enlists the support of Athens and King Derdas of Elimea. Perdiccas responds by stirring up rebellion in a number of Athenian tribute cities, including Potidaea.
* Anaxagoras is arrested by Pericles' political opponents on a charge of contravening the established dogmas of Athenian religion. It needs Pericles' power of oratory and persuasion to secure his release. Even so he is fined and forced to retire from Athens to Lampsacus in Ionia.

By topic

Mathematics

* While in prison, Anaxagoras tries to square the circle with straightedge and compasses.

Births

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Deaths

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