All Battles

Battle of Samarra

363 • Mesopotamien Rückzugsgefecht

Historical Overview

During the retreat after a failed campaign against Ctesiphon, Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate was killed in a skirmish against Sassanid units.

Quick Facts

Outcome:Sassanid strategic victory; Rome forced to sign a humiliating peace treaty.

Sassanid Empire

  • Commander: Schapur II.
  • Strength: ca. 30.000 Mann
  • Casualties: Moderat

Roman Empire

  • Commander: Julian Apostata †
  • Strength: ca. 60.000 Mann
  • Casualties: Hoch (während des Rückzugs)

Strategic Context

Rome's attempt to permanently weaken the Sassanid Empire by capturing the capital Ctesiphon.

Conflict / War

Roman-Sassanid Wars

Decisive Sassanid victory; capture of the Roman Emperor.

Related Literature

Cover of Geschichte der Spätantike: Das Römische Reich von Diocletian bis Justinian 284-565 n. Chr.

Geschichte der Spätantike: Das Römische Reich von Diocletian bis Justinian 284-565 n. Chr.

Non-fictionAncient RomeAncient World

German
Late Antiquity

Historical Locations

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