Siege of Singara (360)
| Siege of Singara | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Perso-Roman wars of 337–361 | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
| Roman Empire | Sasanian Empire | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Constantius II | Shapur II | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Legio I Flavia Constantia | |||||||
The siege of Singara took place in 360, when the Sasanian Empire, under Shapur II, besieged the town of Singara, held by the Roman Empire.[1] The Sasanians successfully captured the town from the Romans.[1]
Siege
The fortifications of Singara—including its moat, both outer and inner walls, and projecting towers—clearly reflected the style of late Roman and early Byzantine military architecture, built to withstand well-equipped siege attacks.[4] Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus describes the Sassanian siege in 360, during which a massive battering ram finally brought down a round tower that had only recently been repaired.[4] This led to the capture of Singara.[4]
The 1st Flavian and 1st Parthian legions which had formed the garrison, as well as the inhabitants of Singara, were sent into captivity in Sasanid Persia.[2][3]
References
- ^ a b c Whitby 2007, p. 316.
- ^ a b Crawford 2016, p. 206.
- ^ a b Lieu 2006.
- ^ a b c Oates 1956, p. 196.
Sources
- Crawford, Peter (2016). Constantius II: Usurpers, Eunuchs, and the Antichrist. Pen & Sword. ISBN 978-1783400553.
- Lieu, Samuel (2006). "NISIBIS". Encyclopaedia Iranica.
- Oates, David (1956). "The Roman Frontier in Northern 'Iraq". The Geographical Journal. 122 (2 (Jun.)): 190–199.
- Whitby, Michael (2007). Sabin, Philip; van Wees, Hans; Whitby, Michael (eds.). The Cambridge History of Greek and Roman Warfare, Volume 2 Rome from the Late Republic to the Late Empire. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521782746.