Ancient Battles Flashcards
Megiddo: When?
1457 BC - Egyptian/Canaanite Wars
Megiddo: Who?
Pharao Thutmose III (Egypt) & Durusha, King of Kadesh (Canaan)
Megiddo: Where?
Near the ancient city of Megiddo, Canaan; now in Israel
Megiddo: Why?
The Canaanites had rebelled against their Egyptian overlords
Megiddo: Outcome?
Egyptian Victory: After being defeated in the field, the Canaanite rebels fled into the city and were besieged.
Kadesh: When?
1258 BC - Second Syrian Campaign of Ramses II
Kadesh: Who?
Pharaoh Ramses II (Egypt) & King Muwatallis (Hittite Empire)
Kadesh: What?
Egyptian chariots and light-armed infantry played a sanguinary game of hide-and-seek around the walls of a fortified city until finally an all-out clash resulted.
Megiddo: What?
The Egyptians took a risky and unexpected route to the battle field and achieved surprise.
Kadesh: Where?
The rich, powerful, and fortified outpost city of Kadesh.
Kadesh: Why?
Kadesh was a Hittite obstacle to Ramses’ efforts to make Egypt’s claims of world supremacy more than empty boasting.
Kadesh: Outcome?
Draw: Hittite cunning and technology were almost too much for Egyptian numbers and organization.
Ramses v Sea Peoples: Who?
The army and navy of Pharaoh Ramses III against the confederation of Sea Peoples.
Ramses v Sea Peoples: What?
Ramses trapped the Sea People’s ships in the slow waters of the Nile, while out-mobilizing them on land, where their armies were slowed by travelling in company with their families
Ramses v Sea Peoples: Where?
Nile delta, Egypt
Ramses v Sea Peoples: When?
1190 BC, Sea Peoples Campaign
Ramses v Sea Peoples: Why?
The Sea Peoples, a band of migratory tribes, were looking for land to settle and had been launching small attacks on Egyptian soil.
Ramses v Sea Peoples: Outcome?
Egyptian Victory: Ramses III slowly overcame the threat of the Sea Peoples, who eventually settled in Canaan.
Siege of Jerusalem: Who?
David, King of Israel v Canaanite defenders
Siege of Jerusalem: What?
Israelites launch missiles at the fortifications, creating time for the foot soldiers to scale the walls.
Siege of Jerusalem: When?
1000 BC, Wars of the Israelites
Siege of Jerusalem: Why?
David needed a new capital to unify the northern and southern Israeli tribes.
Siege of Jerusalem: Outcome?
Israelite Victory: In spite of being ill-equipped to launch a siege, David’s sudden attack was enough to secure a rapid surrender.
Siege of Samaria: Who?
Benhadad II, King of Syria v Ahab, king of Samaria
Siege of Samaria: What?
Benhadad II led a huge army with 32 other tribal leaders and laid siege to the outnumbered Samarians in their city.
Siege of Samaria: Where?
Samaria, the wealthy capital of the northern half of the Israelite kingdom after its division on the death of Solomon.
Siege of Samaria: When?
890 BC, Wars of the Israelites
Siege of Samaria: Why?
Benhadad believed Samaria’s flourishing economy and ambitions to be a threat to his own kingdom.
Siege of Samaria: Outcome?
Israelite Victory: Benhedad, taking victory for granted, set impossible conditions of surrender. While indulging in drunken revelry, a bold sortie of young Samarian officers took him by surprise.
Golan Heights: Who?
The Israelite army of King Ahab v the Syrian army of King Benhadad II.
Golan Heights: What?
Ahab undertook a campaign to defend against a second invasion by the the reconstituted army of Benhadad II, defeating the Syrians.
Golan Heights: Where?
The Golan Heights, northwest of the Israelite capital of Samaria.
Golan Heights: When?
874 BC, Wars of the Israelites
Golan Heights: Why?
Following his defeat at Samaria, Syrian King Benhadad II intended to invade the kingdom of Israel a second time. Ahab, the Israelite king, was determined to prevent another invasion.
Golan Heights: Outcome?
Israelite Victory: The Syrian army was routed a second time and, after begging for his life, Benhadad was spared by Ahab.
Revolt of Mesha: Who?
Mesha, King of Moab v his Jehoram, King of Israel, who was in alliance with Edom
Revolt of Mesha: What?
Jehoram decides to extinguish the revolt by storming into Moab territory.
Revolt of Mesha: Where?
The walled citadel of Kir-Haraseth, thought to be modern day Kerak, in Jordan.
Revolt of Mesha: When?
850 BC, Wars of the Israelites
Revolt of Mesha: Why?
On the death of King Ahab, the Israelites were wracked by internal divisions, and King Mesha revolted to exploit the situation.
Revolt of Mesha: Outcome?
Moab victory/stalemate: Jehoram inflicted heavy casualties on the Moabs, but the Kir-Haraseth was able to hold out, and force the Israelites to withdraw.
Campaign against Edom: Who?
King Azamiah of Judah against an army of Edomites
Campaign against Edom: What?
Azamiah was able to deploy cavalrymen for the first time in his kingdom’s history to try to seize a valuable prize.
Campaign against Edom: Where?
According to the Bible, in the Valley of Salt, near the Dead Sea
Campaign against Edom: When?
785 BC, Judean Campaign
Campaign against Edom: Why?
The Judeans had long coveted neighbouring Edom for its access to sea trade routes.
Campaign against Edom: Outcome?
Judean Victory: A massive victory for Judah, as its well-equipped soldiers inflicted heavy casualties on the nomadic Edomites.
Palestine and Syria: Who?
Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria v Israel/Damascus coalition (King Pekah of Israel)
Palestine and Syria: What?
During siege of Damascus, Tiglath-Pileser’s troops also marauded through the adjoining terrain, reducing the Israelites to submission.
Palestine and Syria: Where?
Damascus, Tyre and the surrounding countryside and city ports along the Mediterranean coast.
Palestine and Syria: When?
734-733 BC, Assyrian Wars
Palestine and Syria: Why?
Assyria was a mighty force on the Middle Eastern stage but, being landlocked, it had its eyes on the Mediterranean conquests.
Palestine and Syria: Outcome?
Assyrian Victory: A decisive Assyrian victory and an emphatic statement of its military prowess.
Siege of Lachish: Who?
King Sennacherib of Assyria v King Hezekiah of Judah
Siege of Lachish: What?
Lachish was a well-fortified town en route to Jerusalem.
Siege of Lachish: Where?
Historical city of Lachish, south of Jerusalem.
Siege of Lachish: When?
700 BC, Assyrian Wars
Siege of Lachish: Why?
Hezekiah announced a long-term defensive campaign to wear down his Assyrian overloads, prompting Sennacherib to attack immediately.
Siege of Lachish: Outcome?
A decisive Assyrian victory, after which Senn. marched on Jerusalem. Although Jerusalem did not fall, the rebellion was quelled and the point had been made.
Fall of Judah: Who?
King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon v King Zedekiah of Judah.
Fall of Judah: What?
Zedekiah banked on Jerusalem’s ‘impregnability’, but the Babylonians proved as ruthless masters of the siege as the Assyrians.
Fall of Judah: Where?
Jerusalem
Fall of Judah: When?
586 BC, Babylonian Campaign
Fall of Judah: Why?
Judah, squeezed between the feuding empires of Egypt and Babylon, sought to exploit the situation, provoking the wrath of Babylon.
Fall of Judah: Outcome?
Babylon Victory: Neb. broke the defences of Jerusalem, put Zedekiah in chains and hauled thousands of Judeans into captivity, temporarily extinguishing the Judean state.
Marathon: Who?
Athenian general Miltiades v King Darius’ general Datis.
Marathon: What?
Greek hoplites charged the Persian line, broke light infantry on the flanks who then turned in on the heavy infantry center.
Marathon: Where?
Marathon, 42 km from Athens in Greece.
Marathon: When?
490 BC, Greco-Persian Wars
Marathon: Why?
Darius invaded Greece to punish Athens for its support of a rebellion of the Ionian Greek cities in Asia Minor.
Marathon: Outcome?
Greek Victory: The Persian army was all but wiped out, and the Greek peninsula was saved from Persian conquest.
Salamis: Who?
Greek League (alliance) of about 310 ships v Persian fleet of 700 triremes led by Admiral Ariabignes, with King Xerxes on land with army.
Salamis: What?
The marine exchanges of arrows and javelins were succeeded by ramming and boarding of enemy vessels.
Salamis: Where?
In the Salamis Strait, between the island of Salamis and the mainland of Attica.
Salamis: When?
20 September, 480 BC, Greco-Persian Wars
Salamis: Why?
Xerxes launched a massive invasion in revenge for Greek interference in a Persian rebellion and Athenian victory over a Persian force at Marathon in 490BC.
Salamis: Outcome?
Resounding Greek Victory: The Persians lost over 300 ships sunk and many more captured and disabled.
Plataea: Who?
Persian army led by Mardonius with subordinate Artabazus v Greek Athens/Sparta coalition led by Pausanias.
Plataea: What?
Mardonius is killed in a land battle. Greeks, boasting largest ever number of hoplites (38,000), thus end Persian ambitions to take control of Greece.
Plataea: Where?
About 8 km east of the ancient town of Plataea.
Plataea: When?
479 BC, Greco-Persian Wars
Plataea: Why?
Although the Persian fleet was destroyed at Salamis, its army remained. Sparta formed a fragile alliance with Athens to administer the coup de grace.
Plataea: Outcome?
Greek Victory: The well-armoured hoplites proved better suited to the conditions. Mardonius was killed, and the Persians withdrew from Greece.
Syracuse: Who?
Athenian expedition v Corinthian colony of Syracuse.
Syracuse: What?
An Athenian feint to the north of the city allowed their main force to land unopposed in the harbour and bottle up the surprised garrison in the inner city.
Syracuse: Where?
Syracuse in Sicily.
Syracuse: When?
415 BC, Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC)
Syracuse: Why?
To restrict the flow of grain to the Peloponnesian League and complete Athen’s domination.
Syracuse: Outcome?
Syracuse Victory: Although the Athenians had limited initial success, further land and naval reinforcements were sucked in and destroyed by the Syracusans, reversing Athens’ earlier successes in the war.
Leuctra: Who?
Epaminondas (Theban) with 7000-9000 forces v King Cleombrotus (Spartan) with 12,000
Leuctra: What?
Epaminondas used an unusual heavy left flank tactic while holding troops in reserve on the center and right (a ‘refused’ flank).
Leuctra: Were?
16km west of Thebes in Greece.
Leuctra: When?
July 371 BC, Greek Wars
Leuctra: Why?
The Spartans invaded Theban territory in response to a request from several Boetian cities for assistance in overthrowing their Theban overlords.
Leuctra: Outcome?
Theban Victory: Broke the reputation of Spartan invincibility, and losing to a smaller force did irreparable damage to their prestige. First time a Spartan king had fallen in battle against fellow Greeks.
Granicus River: Who?
Alexander the Great (Macedonian) and Greek allies v a Persian force.
Granicus River: What?
The Persians’ positional advantage on the banks of the Granicus proved ineffective against the valour of Alexander and his cavalry.
Granicus River: Where?
At the crossing point of the Granicus (now Biga) River, Asia Minor, near what is now Ergili, Turkey.
Granicus River: When?
May 334 BC, Macedonian Conquests
Granicus River: Why?
Alexander wanted to put into action his father’s unfulfilled dream of breaking the Persian Empire.
Granicus River: Outcome?
Macedonian Victory: Alexander’s success established a bridgehead in Asia Minor and enabled him to press deeper into Persian territory.
Issus: Who?
Alexander the Great (Macedonian) v Persians led by King Darius III.
Issus: What?
Alexander, seemingly out-thought by Darius, used impromptu cavalry charges to recover an exposed gap in the Macedonian line and then charge Darius off the field. The Persian ranks soon fell apart.
Issus: Where?
On the banks of the river Pinarus, near the town founded by Alexander as Alexandria (now Iskenderun, not THAT Alexandria).
Issus: When?
3 November 333 BC, Macedonian Conquests
Issus: Why?
Alexander the Great’s launching of a campaign in Asia Minor, and his success at Granicus River, had stirred the attention of the Persian ruler Darius III.
Issus: Outcome?
Macedonian Victory: Darius III fled the battlefield, leaving the west part of Asia Minor decisively in Alexander’s hands.
Siege of Tyre: Who?
Alexander the Great (Macedonian) with Greek army and several Phoenician cities and Cyprus v Tyre, a major Phoenician city subject to Persia.
Siege of Tyre: What?
Macedonian siege of Tyre, which resisted Alexander in his effort to control the eastern seaboard of the Mediterranean.
Siege of Tyre: Where?
Tyre (modern Sur, south of Lebanon) approximately 0.8km off the Phoenician coast.
Siege of Tyre: When?
Jan-Aug 332 BC, Macedonian Conquests
Siege of Tyre: Why?
Alexander did not have a sufficient naval force to meet the Persian fleet, so he eliminated the threat by taking the Persian-held seaports of the eastern Mediterranean coast, including Tyre.
Siege of Tyre: Outcome?
Macedonian Victory: After seven months of resistance, Alexander took Tyre, killing most of the male population and enslaving the women and children.
Gaugamela: Who?
Alexander the Great (Macedonian) v King Darius (Persia)
Gaugamela: What?
War elephants from India and scythed chariots meant to be secret weapons used to break the legendary Macedonian line.
Gaugamela: Where?
Gaugamela near the city of Arbela.
Gaugamela: When?
1 October 331 BC, Macedonian Conquests
Gaugamela: Why?
To Alexander, the Persian Empire stood as the very definition of world power. That taken, Alexander and his army would neither face nor fear a rival.
Gaugamela: Outcome?
Macedonian Victory: In a staggering display of tactical adaptability and superb military training, Alexander’s army resisted and destroyed every Persian weapon and tactic. However, one subordinate’s error (Parmenio, Alexander’s long-time General) resulted in a crisis of Macedonian command.
Hydaspes: Who?
Alexander the Great (Macedonian) v King Porus (India)
Hydaspes: What?
Porus’ army stood blocking Alexander’s crossing of the river. Alexander feinted a crossing, then crossed the majority of his army elsewhere. Not intimidated by elephants, which were easily flanked by his cavalry.
Hydaspes: Where?
The banks of the Hydaspes river, now the Jhelum river on the northwest frontier of what is now Pakistan.
Hydaspes: When?
326 BC, Macedonian Conquests
Hydaspes: Why?
Alexander sought to carry his conquests on into India, to subjugate the known world to his rule.
Hydaspes: Outcome?
Macedonian Victory: Alexander accepted Porus’ submission and appointed him a client king, but his plans for further conquest were later thwarted when his men finally refused to go any further.
Mylae: Who?
Consul Caius Duilius (Roman) fleet v Carthaginian fleet
Mylae: What?
Romans deployed corvus -i for the first time, long wooden planks for holding and then boarding enemy ships.
Mylae: Where?
Mylae (modern-day Milazzo) off the Sicilian coast.
Mylae: When?
260 BC, First Punic War (264-241 BC)
Mylae: Why?
Rome at this period was still a largely land-based power. It needed control of the seas if its colonial ambitions were to be pursued.
Mylae: Outcome?
Roman Victory: A surprise victory for the Tomans, given the Carthaginians’ superior maritime experience, paving the way for further sea victories ahead.
Trebia: Who?
Consuls Publius Scipio and Tiberius Sempronius Longus (Roman) with 4 legions v Hannibal Barca (Carthaginian)
Trebia: What?
Hannibal set up on the Trebia and drew the impatient Sempronius out, creating a home-field advantage in a foreign land.
Trebia: Where?
The banks of the Trebia, what is now near the Piacenza in northern Italy.
Trebia: Why?
The first Punic War has set the hatred of Carthage for Rome in stone. Hannibal had to be stopped from entering Italy, if he was to be stopped at all.
Trebia: Outcome?
Carthaginian Victory: Rome’s greatest military disaster in the field would soon be followed by others.
Trebia: When?
December 218 BC, Second Punic War (218-201 BC)
Raphia: Who?
King Antiochus III (Seleucid Empire) v Ptolemy IV (Egypt)
Raphia: What?
Seleucid’s Indian elephants prove useful and almost defeat Egypt. But Ptolemy’s phalanx of pikemen prove decisive.
Raphia: Where?
Raphia (modern Rafah, near Gaza)
Raphia: When?
22 June 217 BC, Hellenistic Wars
Raphia: Why?
Coele-Syria was much disputed borderland between the Ptolemaic Egyptians and the Seleucid empire, and long fought over.
Raphia: Outcome?
Ptolemaic Victory: Ptolemy’s success would secure the borders of Coele-Syria for a time, but after his death in 204 BC, Antiochus III would later capture it from his son, Ptolemy V.
Cannae: Why?
Consul Varro (Roman) v Hannibal Barca (Carthaginian)
Cannae: What?
Freebie!! You already know all this!! :D
Cannae: Where?
Cannae (Apulia, Italy)
Cannae: When?
216 BC (Second Punic War, 218-201 BC)
Cannae: Why?
Hannibal was attempting to wrest Rome’s recently acquired Italian allies from her and so weaken her ability to continue the war.
Cannae: Outcome?
Carthaginian Victory: More than half the Roman force was cut down. But Rome raised another army and continued the war to ultimate victory.
Gaixia: Who?
Han Xin and Liu Bang (Han) v Xiang Yu (Chu)
Gaixia: What?
Xiang Yu, in attempting to free his wife when she was taken prisoner by the Han, marched into an ambush in a canyon near Gaixia with tragic consequences.
Gaixia: Where?
Gaixia, modern day Suzhou.
Gaixia: When?
202 BC, Chu-Han Wars (206-202 BC)
Gaixia: Why?
China had become divided between the rival rulers of the Hand in western China, and the Chu in the east.
Gaixia: Outcome?
Han Victory: After his victory, Liu Bang was effectively able to unite China, and he declared himself emperor of the newly established Han dynasty.
Chios: Who?
King Philip V (Macedon) v the combined fleets of Rhodes, Pergamon, Byzantium, and Cyzicus.
Chios: What?
Philip V had a new fleet with some of the heaviest fighting vessels at the time, but the Greeks were simply more experienced.
Chios: Where?
Off the island of Chios, Aegean Sea.
Chios: When?
201 BC, Cretan War
Chios: Why?
The Macedonians under Philip V were determined to crush the maritime power of Rhodes, and attempt to revitalize some of Alexander the Great’s empire.
Chios: Outcome?
Greek Victory: After this embarrassing defeat, the Macedonian fleet would play little further part in the battles against its Greek enemies.
Cynoscephalae: Who?
Consul Titus Quinctius Flaminius (Rome) v Philip V (Macedon) both equally matched with 26,000 men.
Cynoscephalae: What?
Manoeuvres by both sides led to an encounter battle that pitted the frontal power of the phalanx against the flexibility of the legion.
Cynoscephalae: Where?
Near a ridge known as Cynoscephalae, Southeast Thessaly, Greece
Cynoscephalae: When?
197 BC, Second Macedonian War (200-197 BC)
Cynoscephalae: Why?
Rome was concerned at the expansionist intent displayed by Philip V, and moved to counter his ambitions.
Cynoscephalae: Outcome?
Roman Victory: A crushing defeat for the Macedonians despite some local successes.
Pydnae: Who?
Lucius Aemilius Paullus (Roman) v King Perseus (Macedon)
Pydnae: What?
It was a classic phalanx v legion clash, with the legions emerging victorious. The battle also marked a major shift in power, with Roman military might firmly establishing the new order in the Mediterranean.
Pydnae: Where?
Near the city of Pydna, Macedon.
Pydnae: When?
22 June 168 BC, Third Macedonian War (171-168 BC)
Pydnae: Why?
The Roman dissatisfaction with the indecisive Third Macedonian War resulted in a new campaign to subdue the increasingly anti-Roman Macedonians.
Pydnae: Outcome?
Roman Victory: The Macedonians were decisively defeated in battle and Macedon became a Roman province.
Emmaus: Who?
Judas Maccabeus (Judea) v General Lysias leading armies from Ptolemy, Georgias, and Nicanor (Seleucid)
Emmaus: What?
Judas Maccebeus could never beat the Seleucids in a set-piece battle, so his tactics were geared to splitting up his army into units and harassing the larger massed forced of the enemy at opportune moments.
Emmaus: Where?
Emmaus, near the foothills of Judea.
Emmaus: When?
165 BC, Maccabean Revolt (167-160 BC).
Emmaus: Why?
The Seleucid gov’t sought to put down the troublesome revolet of the Jews led by Judas Maccabeus.
Emmaus: Outcome?
Judean Victory: The Jewish rebels continued a string of victories against the numerically and technologically superior Seleucids, defeating them again at Beth-Zur a year later, entering Jerusalem and rededicating their Temple.
Beth-Zechariah: Who?
Judas Maccabeus (Maccabeus) and his rebels v General Lysias (Seleucid Empire)
Beth-Zechariah: What?
The Seleucids would put on a crushing show of force in reducing the Judeans, but Lysias later showed unusual restraint in allowing them to continue with their religious practices, dampening the flame of rebellion.
Beth-Zechariah: Where?
The citadel at Beth-Zechariah, Jeruselam’s last external defence.
Beth-Zechariah: When?
162 BC, Macabean Revolt (167-160 BC)
Beth-Zechariah: Why?
Either Israel would defend its capital or it would fail as a nation - Judas Maccabeus had sufficient faith in his own skills and his army to risk a fight to the finish.
Beth-Zechariah: Outcome?
Seleucidian Victory: One of the most feared weapons in the Hellenistic arsenal - elephants - broke the Jewish army and almost completely destroyed a resurgent Israel.
Aquae Sextae: Who?
Consul Gaius Marius (Roman) v Germanic Teutones tribe
Aquae Sextae: What?
The Germanic warriors were noted for their tenacity, but, confronted by the disciplined legions of Rome at Aquae Sextae, they had no answers to the short ‘gladius’ swords of the legionaries.
Aquae Sextae: Where?
Aquae Sextae, now Aix-en-Provence, in southern France.
Aquae Sextae: When?
102 BC
Aquae Sextae: Why?
Friction between Rome and the Germanic tribes was constant, and the migratory nature of some tribes inevitably brought them into conflict with Rome.
Aquae Sextae: Outcome?
Roman Victory: The Germanic tribes tried to charge uphill against formed and waiting legionary troops, and were crushingly defeated.
Pompey’s Sea Campaign: Who?
Consul Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus “Pompey” (Roman) v mixed pirates of the Mediterranean
Pompey’s Sea Campaign: What?
In a rapid 45-day campaign, Pompey swept across the seas to rid them of the scourge of piracy.
Pompey’s Sea Campaign: Where?
The Mediterranean waters off Italy, Sicily, North Africa, Sardinia, and Spain.
Pompey’s Sea Campaign: When?
67 BC
Pompey’s Sea Campaign: Why?
Piracy had been rife for over a century, after the decline of Greek Rhodes, which had acted as police. Increasingly bold pirates had been carrying their raids inland. Grain cargo routes were affected.
Pompey’s Sea Campaign: Outcome?
Roman Victories: Pompey achieved rapid results, though his campaign of re-exacting tribute and resettling the pirates did not go down well with all Romans, and piracy would remain an issue.
Siege of Jerusalem: Who?
General Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus ‘Pompey’ (Roman) and Hyrcanus v Aristobulus (Judean)
Siege of Jerusalem: What?
Intense artillery, auxiliary missile troops, battering rams, and a specially built ramp eventually wore down the Judean defenders.
Siege of Jerusalem: Where?
The city of Jerusalem in Judea.
Siege of Jerusalem: When?
63 BC, Roman Campaign.
Siege of Jerusalem: Why?
Pompey had wide ranging powers to end a threat to Rome, and decided that there were sufficient grounds for intervention in Jerusalem, siding with 1 of 2 feuding princes.
Siege of Jerusalem: Outcome?
Roman Victory: Pompey’s forces were successful and captured the Temple. He then installed a High Priest of his own choosing.
Carrhae: Who?
Marcus Licinius Crassus (Roman) 42,000 v Parthian army
Carrhae: What?
The Romans formed a hollow square, but 5500 were lured out (led by Publius, son of Crassus) in pursuit of the horse archers and massacred by the new troop type - the cataphract. The rest were steadily shot down.
Carrhae: Where?
Carrhae, 48 km south of Edessa in Syria.
Carrhae: When?
53 BC, Wars of the First Triumvirate (59-53 BC)
Carrhae: Why?
Crassus needed a military success to further his political rivalry with the other Triumvirs, Pompey, and Julius Caesar.
Carrhae: Outcome?
Parthian Victory: Only 5000 of the Roman army escaped, 10,000 surrendered, and the rest, including Crassus, were slaughtered.
Alesia: Who?
Gaius Julius Caesar (Roman) and 70,000 v Chieftan Vercingetorix (Gallic) and 80,000 plus 250,000 reinforcements.
Alesia: What?
The Roman forces built two wall fortifications, one to pen the Gauls within their fortress and one to prevent relief.
Alesia: Where?
Mount Auxois, near what is now Dijon.
Alesia: When?
52 BC, Gallic War (58-50 BC)
Alesia: Why?
Julius Caesar embarked on a campaign to pacify Gaul and bring the Gallic tribes within the empire. The Gauls resisted fiercely.
Alesia: Outcome?
Roman Victory: Break-out and relief attempts were contained, and the starving Gauls were forced to surrender. Operations continued into the following year, but at Alesia the Gauls were broken.
Actium: Who?
Octavian, the Roman Princeps (First Citizen) v combined forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra in a Roman civil war.
Actium: What?
Mark Antony’s ships got trapped at Actium where the more mobile fleet of Octavian was able to out-flank him.
Actium: Where?
Off the promontory of Actium in the Ionian Sea.
Actium: When?
31 BC, Wars of the Second Triumvirate (43-33 BC)
Actium: Why?
The Second Triumvirate of Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus had broken down and there were fears Mark Antony threatened a break-up of the Empire through his alliance with Cleopatra.
Actium: Outcome?
Octavian Victory: Mark Antony’s fleet was destroyed and Octavian, eventually to become Augustus, was left in complete control.
Teutoberger Wald: Who?
Publius Quinctilius Varus (Roman) v Chief Arminius of the Cherusci tribe (Germanic).
Teutoberger Wald: What?
The Roman forces were betrayed, ambushed, and massacred by the Cherusci in Teutoberger Wald.
Teutoberger Wald: Where?
Along the line of march towards winter quarters in the deep forest, near Osnabruck in northwest Germany.
Teutoberger Wald: Why?
Tiring of Roman policies, the Cherusci turned on their allies and used guerrilla tactics to destroy them in the forests, where standard legionary formations were ineffective.
Teutoberger Wald: Outcome?
Germanic Victory: Teutoberger Wald was a shocking defeat for the Roman Empire, and one that ensured that the Germanic frontier was never fully pacified. The battle had consequences that changed the course of European history.
Siege of Jerusalem: Who?
Titus Flavius Vespasianus (Roman) and 35,000 troops v Simon bar Giora and 24,000 rebel Jews.
Siege of Jerusalem: What?
Jerusalem was besieged for much of the war and finally taken by storm.
Siege of Jerusalem: Where?
The city of Jerusalem in Judea.
Siege of Jerusalem: When?
70 AD, Roman-Jewish Wars (66-73 AD)
Siege of Jerusalem: Why?
Outraged by the practices allowed by the Romans, the Jews rebelled against their conquerors.
Siege of Jerusalem: Outcome?
Roman Victory: The Jews were utterly defeated.
Masada: Who?
Lucius Flavius Silva (Roman) v Eleazar ben Yair (Judean)
Masada: What?
The Romans built a series of eight walled encampments at each approach to starve the defenders. Assembled ramps, rams, and siege towers soon fell the city of Masada.
Masada: Where?
Masada, overlooking the Dead Sea in modern Israel.
Masada: When?
73 AD, Roman-Jewish Wars (66-73 AD)
Masada: Why?
After a prolonged period of terrorist atrocities, the Romans were determined to end the disruption to civil life and tax collecting.
Masada: Outcome?
Roman Victory: The Jews slew each other, rather than face the Roman swords.
Red Cliffs: Who?
Cao Cao (Wei) v Liu Bei (Shu) and Sun Quan (Wu).
Red Cliffs: What?
The Battle of Red Cliffs was as much about deception as it was about open tactics. Warfare in the ancient Far East put a high value on being able to confuse or deceive the enemy - ethics often came second to victory.
Red Cliffs: Where?
On the south bank of the Yangtze river, southwest of modern Wuhan, China.
Red Cliffs: When?
Winter of 208-209 AD, Wars of the Three Kingdoms
Red Cliffs: Why?
Cao Cao, the northern Chinese warlord wanted to add land south of the Yangtze river to the territories under his control.
Red Cliffs: Outcome?
Liu/Sun Victory: Cao Cao’s defeat ensured the two halves of China remained separate and paved the way for future bitter confrontations.
Dura Europos: Who?
Shapur I (Sassanid Persians) v Roman garrison.
Dura Europos: What?
The Sassanids, masters of seigecraft, set to undermine the walls of this old castle on the east-west trade route.
Dura Europos: Where?
Dura Europos, near Salhiye, in modern Syria.
Dura Europos: When?
256-257 AD, Sassanid-Roman Wars
Dura Europos: Why?
The Sassanids were trying to revive the glories of the ancient Persian empire, and posed a major threat to the Roman territories in the East.
Dura Europos: Outcome?
Sassanid Persian Victory: The siege proved successful, and after the Sassanids pillaged it, the fortress was abandoned, never to be rebuilt.
Milvian Bridge: Who?
Constantine (Roman) v Maxentius (Roman)
Milvian Bridge: What?
Maxentius’ army was routed, the bridge the fled over collapsed, and Maxentius was drowned.
Milvian Bridge: Where?
At the Pons Milvius, the last bridge before Rome on the Appian Way.
Milvian Bridge: When?
28 October 312 AD, Civil Wars of the Tetrarchy (306-324 AD)
Milvian Bridge: Why?
Constantine sought to overthrow Maxentius and seize sole control of the Roman Empire.
Milvian Bridge: Outcome?
Constantine Victory: Constantine takes a great victory, ascribing it to divine intervention, and enters the capital.
Strasbourg: Who?
Commander Julianus (Late Roman) v King Chnodomar of the Alamanni tribal confederation.
Strasbourg: What?
Although the Roman forces under Julianus were relatively small, greater discipline and their ability to hold positions in a drill unit proved decisive.
Strasbourg: Where?
Argentoratum, near Strasbourg, Alsace, France
Strasbourg: When?
357 AD, Roman-Alamanni War
Strasbourg: Why?
In the fourth century, the German barbarian tribes had become increasingly bold in their attacks across the frontiers of Gaul, and threatened the Roman hold on the province.
Strasbourg: Outcome?
Roman Victory: Julianus was successfully able to evict the barbarians and restore the security of Roman defensive forts along the Rhine.
Adrianople: Who?
Emperor Flavius Valens (Eastern Roman Empire) v Fritigern (mixed Gothic army)
Adrianople: What?
By the fourth century, the Romans were losing their reputation for invincibility. The armies increasingly made us of mercenaries, and cavalry took their place alongside foot soldiers without being fully integrated. The Goths exploited the disorganization at Adrianople.
Adrianople: Where?
About 13km from Adrianople, modern Edirne in European Turkey.
Adrianople: When?
9 August 378, Roman-Gothic Wars (376-382 AD)
Adrianople: Why?
Having made a treaty with the Romans in 376, which allowed them to settle within the empire, the Goths rebelled against the ill-treatment they received. Valens intended to end this Gothic threat but attacked based on a mistaken report of Gothic strength, without waiting for the Western Roman army to arrive.
Adrianople: Outcome?
Gothic Victory: The Roman army was defeated. Two-thirds of the Roman forces, perhaps 10,000 men, were killed, including Valens.
The Hun’s Campaign vs Eastern Rome: Who?
Attila and his brother Bleda (Hunnic) v Eastern Roman Empire
The Hun’s Campaign vs Eastern Rome: What?
Famous for speed and breadth of their conquests, infamous for their ruthlessness, the Huns marched through Southeastern Europe to Constantinople.
The Hun’s Campaign vs Eastern Rome: Where?
The Eastern Roman Empire from the Danube River throughout the Balkans and into Anatolia.
The Hun’s Campaign vs Eastern Rome: When?
441-443 AD
The Hun’s Campaign vs Eastern Rome: Why?
Breaking the peace treaty with the Huns, Emperor Theodosius provoked a campaign that devastated much of his empire.
The Hun’s Campaign vs Eastern Rome: Outcome?
Hunnic Victory: The numerous victories of the Huns forced the Romans to negotiate the Treaty of Anatolius, which, among other things, markedly increased their tribute payments.
Catalaunian Fields: Who?
Flavius Aetius (Romans, Visigoths, and Alans) v Attila (Hunnic)
Catalaunian Fields: What?
Aetius’ army occupied the high ground at the start of the battle, from which the Huns were unable to drive them despite hard fighting. After the few days’ stalemate, the Huns withdrew but the Romans did not pursue them.
Catalaunian Fields: Where?
The Catalaunian Fields, between Troyes and Chalons-sur-Marne in what is now the Champagne region of France.
Catalaunian Fields: When?
June 451, Hunnic-Roman Wars
Catalaunian Fields: Why?
Aetius sought to halt the Huns’ invasion of Gaul.
Catalaunian Fields: Outcome?
Roman Victory: Attila withdrew with his army and loot intact, but his invincible reputation was damaged and the conquest of Gaul was prevented.
Ad Decimum: Who?
Flavius Belisarius (Eastern Roman Empire) 15,000 v King Gelimer (Vandal) 11,000
Ad Decimum: What?
The Romans, advancing on the Vandal capital, Carthage, were intercepted by Vandal forces, resulting in a hard-fought battle.
Ad Decimum: Where?
16km south of Carthage, North Africa.
Ad Decimum: When?
13 September 533, Vandalic War (533-534 AD)
Ad Decimum: Why?
Belisarius and his army had been sent against the Vandals as part of the planned reconquest of the Western Roman Empire.
Ad Decimum: Outcome?
Roman (Byzantine) Victory: After almost being defeated, Belisarius’ force emerged victorious.
Battle of Casilinium: Who?
Narses (Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire) v Butilin (Gothic Alamanni and Franks)
Battle of Casilinium: What?
Narses marched on Butilin’s largely infantry-based army with a better balanced unit, including heavy cavalry and mounted archers as well as foot soldiers.
Battle of Casilinium: Where?
Volturno River, Italy
Battle of Casilinium: When?
554 AD, Byzantine Wars
Battle of Casilinium: Why?
The Alamanni chieftain Butilin had ambitions to take control of Italy, at a time when the Byzantine emperor Justinian I was attempting to reunite the two halves of the former Roman Empire.
Battle of Casilinium: Outcome?
Byzantine Wars: Narses was triumphant, and the entire opposing army, including Butilin, was massacred.
