Due to a catastrophic fire in Rome, the barracks system - the
vigiles, initially manned only by freedmen - is created by the
PrincepsAugustus to allow quicker response to outbreaks of fire in the city.[1]
Due to a food shortage in
Rome, Augustus doubles the grain rations distributed to the people, sends away his slave retinue, and places the senate in recess indefinitely.[2]
The
PrincepsAugustus sets up a treasury, the aerarium militare (170 million sestertii), with the specific purpose of paying bonuses to retiring legion veterans. This is financed by a 5% tax on inheritances, a system said to have been suggested in
Julius Caesar's memoirs.[3]
Quirinius conducts a
census in Judea (according to
Josephus), which results in a revolt in the province, led by
Judas of Galilee, and supported by the
Pharisee Zadok. The revolt is repressed, and the rebels are crucified, but it results in the birth of the
Zealot movement, the members of which regard the God of Judaism as their only master.
China
January – Some Chinese fear for the life of the young, ailing Emperor
Ping Di as the planet Mars disappears behind the moon this month.[13]
Candidates for government office must take civil-service examinations.
The imperial Liu clan suspects the intentions of
Wang Mang and foment agrarian rebellions during the course of Ruzi Ying's reign. The first of these is led by Liu Chong, Marquess of Ang-Zong (a/k/a Marquis of An-chung), with a small force starting in May or June.[13]