490s

The 490s was the decade that began on January 1, 490. and ended on December 31, 499. It is distinct from the decade known as the 50th which began on January 1, 491 and ended on December 31, 500.

• Possible timing of King Arthur's victory over the Saxons.
• 493 – Death of Saint Patrick.
• 494 – Pope Gelasius I delineates the relationship between church and state.
• 494 – An earthquake devastates Latakia.
• 494 – Under Emperor Xiaowen the capital of Northern Wei, a state in China capital is moved from Datong to Luoyang, a city long acknowledged as a major center in Chinese history.

• 495 - Amalasuntha

• 496 – Pope Gelasius I