The world in 681 AD — what happened that year

6 events the sources record for this year, grouped by region.

What happened

King Munmu died in the twenty-first year of his reign and, according to his will, was buried on a great rock in the middle of the East Sea (wishing to become a great dragon protecting the country). (Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) 紀異第二文虎王法敏)
In May 681 (Jichou day), Heichi Changzhi, Commissioner of the Heyuan route, attacks Tubo's Lun Zanpo at the Liangfei River, routs him, collects grain and livestock, and returns. (Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror) 권202 681년 항)

Sopan Kim Heumdol and others were executed for plotting rebellion. (Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) 卷08 神文王 1年)
King Sinmun ascended on the seventh day of the seventh month and built Gameunsa on the East Sea shore for his father. (Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) 紀異第二万波息笛)
King Sinmun, on his accession, made the old land of Garak into Geumgwan-gyeong and established a governor. (Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) 紀異第二駕洛國記)

Wilfrid converted the South Saxon kingdom to Christianity and established a monastery at Selsey. (Bede, Ecclesiastical History of the English People Bede HE 4.13)