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Battle of Carrhae

Type Event Region Mesopotamia Time -53

In 53 BCE Crassus led about 40,000 legionaries east against Parthia and was crushed at Carrhae by Surena's horse archers;…

Timeline

  1. -54–-53Syria · SyriaAfter becoming governor of Syria, Crassus led about 40,000 Roman legionaries and auxiliaries across the Euphrates to campaign against Parthia in pursuit of military glory and wealth, without adequate reconnaissance or supply preparations.
  2. -53Carrhae · MesopotamiaThe famed Parthian general Surena met them with about 10,000 horse archers. Repeatedly struck by the 'Parthian shot' tactic in open terrain, the Roman legions fell into confusion; Crassus's son Publius led a cavalry charge and was killed.
  3. -53Carrhae · MesopotamiaCrassus was killed in a peace-negotiation trap or in battle; about 20,000 were killed and 10,000 captured, and the Roman eagle standards were taken. The survivors withdrew to Syria, Roman eastward expansion was checked, and Parthia established dominance over Mesopotamia.

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