2002
Euro notes enter pockets
On New Year's Day twelve European countries swapped their familiar lira, francs, marks, and pesetas for crisp new bills printed with imaginary bridges…
East Timor independence
After four hundred years of Portuguese colonial rule and twenty-four bloody years under Indonesian military occupation that killed perhaps a third…
SARS jumps from a Guangdong market
A novel coronavirus emerged in southern China and spread through hospitals from Hong Kong to Toronto, killing nearly eight hundred people in eight months.
Brazil wins fifth World Cup
Ronaldo, redeemed after his mysterious collapse in the 1998 final four years earlier, scored twice in Yokohama as Brazil beat Germany to win its record fifth…
Bali nightclub bombings
Two bombs ripped through tourist bars in the Kuta Beach district on Indonesia's holiday island of Bali, killing 202 people, mostly young Australians on holiday.
Want 2002 in context? Print the whole 21st century as a one-sheet timeline chart.
Frequently asked
What happened in the year 2002?
Saeculum lists 5 events from 2002. The most significant is Euro notes enter pockets.
What era was 2002 part of?
2002 falls within the Contemporary (2001-2026). Networks, climate, and the new uncertainty.
Which regions saw notable events in 2002?
The events from 2002 span Europe, Southeast Asia, East Asia and South America.