642

Centuries: 6th century - 7th century - 8th century

Decades: 590s 600s 610s 620s 630s - 640s - 650s 660s 670s 680s 690s

Years: 637 638 639 640 641 - 642 - 643 644 645 646 647

Events

• August 5 - In the Battle of Maserfield, Penda king of Mercia defeats and kills Oswald, king of Bernicia.
• November 24 - Theodore succeeds John IV as Pope.
• Battle of Nehaward: Arabs conquer Persia.
• Empress Kogyoku ascends to the throne of Japan.
• Benzmer succeeds Kubrat as ruler of the Bulgars.
• Monastic settlement founded in Hampshire, England, which later becomes Winchester Cathedral.

Births

Deaths

• August 5 - Oswald, king of Bernicia and Bretwalda
• October 12 - Pope John IV