Battle of Dara
530 CE · Fortress of Dara (near Mardin, modern Turkey) · World · Medieval
Belisarius met the attack from behind entrenchments, lured the Persian cavalry into a frontal charge and then enveloped them with his flank cavalry; the Persian army fell back in defeat.
Belligerents
Eastern Roman Empire
- Commanders
- Belisarius
- Strength
- Byzantine army, about 25,000
Sasanian Persia
- Commanders
- Perozes
- Strength
- Persian army, reportedly 40,000
Background
War broke out between Justinian I and the Sasanian Khosrow I over the Mesopotamian frontier, and Belisarius was ordered to defend the fortress of Dara.
Course of the battle
- Forming upBelisarius dug trenches in front of the city and formed up with infantry in the center and cavalry on both flanks.
- ChargeThe Persian army charged the Byzantine trench line several times without breaking through.
- CounterattackThe Byzantine cavalry enveloped the Persian flank and rear from both wings, and the Persian army retreated in disarray.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 530 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Fortress of Dara (near Mardin, modern Turkey) |
| Result | Belisarius met the attack from behind entrenchments, lured the Persian cavalry into a frontal charge and then enveloped them with his flank cavalry; the Persian army fell back in defeat. |
| Winner | Eastern Roman Empire |
| Casualties | The Persian army withdrew after fairly heavy casualties, while Byzantine losses were relatively light. |
| Territorial change | The situation on the Mesopotamian frontier stabilized for a time, and Byzantium held the gateway to Mesopotamia. |
Impact
This battle made Belisarius's name, demonstrating a tactical combination of entrenched defense and cavalry counterattack.
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