This Week: Death to Socrates

Notable events in Ancient History for the week of February 11 - 17

February 15, 399 B.C. - On this date, ancient Greek philosopher Socrates was sentenced to death for what was seen as political crimes against Athens. In his staunch pursuit of ultimate truth, his criticism of democracy, and his efforts to force Athenians to show more allegiance to truth and justice, he was seen as an aggravator in a time when Athens was seeking stability (in the years following the Peloponnesian War). He is also considered the greatest and most influential Western philosopher in history.

Februry 17, A.D. 364 - Roman Emperor Jovian dies on this date. He had been named Emperor by the Roman army on June 26, A.D. 363, when Emperor Julian died in battle. Jovian, a Christian, officially established the religion as the state faith. He died after only eight months of rule, on February 17, A.D. 364, in his tent of carbon monoxide poisoning.

February 17 - The Roman festival of the Quirinalia was celebrated on this date. The festival honored Quirinus, an early god of Sabine (early settlers around Rome) origin.