title: 609 BC
text: # 609 BC
  
  The year 609 BC was a year of the pre-Julian Roman calendar. In the Roman Empire, it was known as year 145 Ab urbe condita . The denomination 609 BC for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.
  
  ## Events
  
  * The Medes and the Babylonians defeat the Assyrians under Ashur-uballit II and capture Harran. Ashur-uballit II, the last king of Assyria, disappears from history.
  * Battle of Megiddo—King Josiah is killed fighting against Necho II, who was on his way to aid the Assyrian state.
  * King Jehoahaz succeeds his father Josiah as king of Judah, though he is killed by Necho II, who instead installs Jehoahaz's brother Jehoiakim.
  * The Persian Gulf recedes by a large portion, extending the Tigris and Euphrates rivers by 187mi (300km).
  
  ## Deaths
  
  * Ashur-uballit II (probably), last king of Assyria
  * Josiah, king of Judah
  * Jehoahaz, king of Judah
  * Duke Kang of Qin, ruler of the state of Qin
  * Duke Yi of Qi, ruler of the state of Qi
  