Battle of Carrhae
53 BCE · Carrhae (Harran, Mesopotamia) · World · Ancient
Parthian horse archers, resupplied with arrows by camel trains, used hit-and-run tactics at range, and the Roman formation, trapped in open country, was steadily worn down.
Belligerents
Rome
- Commanders
- Crassus
- Strength
- About 40,000 legionaries
Parthia
- Commanders
- Surena
- Strength
- About 10,000 cavalry (horse archers and cataphracts)
Background
Crassus, one of the Triumvirs, campaigned east against Parthia in search of military glory.
Course of the battle
- Advancing deepTrusting his guide, Crassus advanced into waterless open country.
- Hail of arrowsParthian horse archers circled and shot, with camels supplying an endless stream of arrows.
- DownfallThe Romans were encircled and annihilated during the retreat, and Crassus was killed.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 53 BCE |
|---|---|
| Place | Carrhae (Harran, Mesopotamia) |
| Result | Parthian horse archers, resupplied with arrows by camel trains, used hit-and-run tactics at range, and the Roman formation, trapped in open country, was steadily worn down. |
| Winner | Parthia |
| Casualties | About 20,000 Romans were killed and 10,000 captured, and Crassus was killed; Parthian losses were light. |
| Territorial change | Rome's eastward expansion was checked, and its eastern frontier faced Parthia in a prolonged standoff. |
Impact
It exposed the tactical weakness of the Roman legions against steppe horse archers.
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