List of state leaders in 281

This is a list of heads of state, government leaders, and other rulers in the year 281.

Africa

• Axum - Endubis, King of Axum (c.270-c.300)
• Kush - Malegorobar, King of Kush (266–283)

Asia

• Bactria and Gandhara - Hormizd I, Kushanshah (c. 265–295)
• Chera - Perumkadungo, King of Chera (257–287)
• China - Jin Wu di, Emperor of Jin China (265–290)
• Korea (Three Kingdoms Period)
  • Baekje - Goi, King of Baekje (234–286)
  • Goguryeo - Seocheon, King of Goguryeo (270–292)
  • Silla - Michu, King of Silla (262–284)
  • Gaya - Mapum, King of Gaya (259–291)
• Gupta Empire - Ghatotkacha, King of the Gupta Empire (280–319)
• Iberia - Asphagur I, King of Iberia (265–284)
• Persia - Bahram II of Persia, King of Persia (276–293)
• Armenia - Sassanid Kingship (252-287)
• Tuoba - Tuoba Xilu, Chieftain of the Tuoba clan (277–286)
• Western Kshatrapas - Bhratadaman (278–295)

Europe

• Roman Empire - Probus, Roman Emperor (276–282)