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| Battle of Adrianople |
| Part of Wars of Constantine I |
| Date |
July 3, 324 |
| Location |
near Byzantium |
| Result |
Constantinian victory |
|
| Belligerents |
| Constantinians |
forces of Licinius |
| Commanders |
| Constantine I |
Licinius |
| Strength |
| 150,000 |
170,000 |
| Casualties and losses |
|
30,000 dead |
The Battle of Adrianople was fought on July 3, 324 between the armies of Constantine I and Licinius.
Constantine and his army were chasing some Sarmatians that had crossed over the Danube River into Licinius's territory. This was obviously meant to provoke Licinius into battle. Constantine's army was fewer in number, but contained many battle-hardened veterans. Constantine won the battle, and Licinius was forced to retreat inside the walls of Byzantium. On the understanding his life would be spared, Licinius surrendered, however he was executed the following year.
Constantine's effort to start a civil war was successful, as was his campaign against Licinius. Constantine defeated Licinius twice, first at Adrianople in Thrace, and then at Chrysopolis on the Bosporus. Initially, yielding to the pleas of Constantia, Constantine spared the life of his brother-in-law, but some months later he ordered his execution, breaking his solemn oath. Before too long the younger Licinius, too, fell victim to Constantine's anger or suspicions. Constantine was now the sole and undisputed master of the Roman world. He was then free to found his 'New Rome' at Byzantium, a capital that was to be free of the republican and Pagan past of the 'Old Rome'.
