The 30s decade ran from January 1, AD 30, to December 31, AD 39.

A denarius of Tiberius (r. 14–37). Due to a financial crisis that hit Rome in AD 33, coins such as these came in short supply.

Jesus was crucified early in the decade: his suffering and redemptive death would form central aspects of Christian theology concerning the doctrines of salvation and atonement. Peter the Apostle founded the Church of Antioch. Anti-Jewish riots broke out in Alexandria. A financial crisis hit Rome in AD 33.

In Asia, the Western Satraps and Kushan Empire emerged. In Europe, the 30s saw a Dacian revolt against the Sarmatian tribe of Iazyges, who had enslaved them, and a Samaritan uprising. In west Asia, Artabanus II of Parthia fought a war with Rome over Armenia. The Han dynasty saw the outbreak of the Rebellion of Gongsun Shu. Roman emperor Tiberius died in AD 37, being succeeded by Caligula.

An earthquake that shook Antioch in AD 37 caused the emperor Caligula to send two senators to report on the condition of the city.[1] In China, an epidemic broke out in K'aui-chi, causing many deaths, and Imperial official Ch'ung-li I (Zhongli Yi) provided medicine that saved many lives.[citation needed]

Valerius Maximus wrote Factorum ac dictorum memorabilium libri IX: It is a collection of approximately a thousand short stories that Valerius wrote during the reign of Tiberius (42 BC – AD 37). Other literary works from the 30s include a popular collection of fables written by Phaedrus, a symbolic interpretation of the Old Testament (Allegory) written by Philo, and a general history of the countries known in Antiquity written by Velleius Paterculus.

Manning (2008) tentatively estimates the world population in AD 30 as 247 million.

Demographics

Due to lack of reliable demographic data, estimates of the world population in the 1st century vary wildly, with estimates for AD 11 varying from 150[2] to 300[3] million. Demographers typically do not attempt to estimate most specific years in antiquity, instead giving approximate numbers for round years such as AD 1 or AD 200. However, attempts at reconstructing the world population in more specific years have been made, with Manning (2008) tentatively estimating the world population in AD 30 as 247 million.[4]

Events

By place

South Asia
Roman Empire

By topic

Religion
  • 7 April (Good Friday) – Jesus is crucified (according to one dating scheme). He is later reported alive by his disciples.

By place

Roman Empire

  • Philo writes his symbolic interpretation of the Old Testament (Allegory).

By date

By place

Roman Empire
  • Emperor Tiberius founds a credit bank in Rome.[9]
  • A financial crisis hits Rome,[10] due to poorly chosen fiscal policies. Land values plummet, and credit is increased. These actions lead to a lack of money, a crisis of confidence, and much land speculation. The primary victims are senators, knights and the wealthy. Many aristocratic families are ruined.
China

By place

Roman Empire
Europe

By topic

Religion
  • Stephen, one of the original seven deacons of the Christian Church, is martyred for his faith (possible date).
  • Saul of Tarsus, on the road to Damascus, is converted to Christianity, and becomes Paul the Apostle (possible date).
  • According to one dating scheme, Paul and Barnabas announce in Antioch that they will begin to evangelize the Gentiles.

By place

Roman Empire
Persia

By place

China
Roman Empire

By place

Roman Empire

By topic

Earthquake
Religion

By place

Roman Empire
China
  • An epidemic breaks out in K'aui-chi, causing many deaths. Imperial official Ch'ung-li I provides medicines that save many lives.[citation needed]

By topic

Arts and sciences
Religion

By place

Roman Empire
Vietnam

Significant people

Births

AD 30

AD 31

AD 32

AD 33

AD 34

AD 35

AD 36

AD 37

AD 38

AD 39

Deaths

AD 30

AD 31

AD 32

AD 33

AD 34

AD 35

AD 36

AD 37

AD 38

AD 39

References