Battle of Tzirallum

Battle of Tzirallum
Date April 30, 313
Location near Heraclea Sintica
Result Licinius is victorious
Belligerents
forces of Licinius forces of Maximinus
Commanders and leaders
Licinius Maximinus
Strength
30,000 70,000
Fourth Century Roman Civil Wars

The Battle of Tzirallum was one of the Civil Wars of the Tetrarchy (306-324 AD) fought in 313 near Heraclea between the Roman armies of emperors Licinius and Maximinus.

Contents

Background

The emperors Licinius and Maximinus were locked in a struggle for supremacy for the Eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. Maximinus had crossed the Bosphorus in 313 AD, and taken Byzantium. Possessing an army of around 70,000, he proceeded to lay siege to the town of Heraclea, which he captured after a siege of eight days. No sooner had he taken the city that news reached him that Licinius had pitched his camp at the distance of only eighteen miles. After a period of fruitless negotiations, in which both emperors attempted to win over the loyalty of the other’ armies, the emperors met in battle on April 30.

The battle

Maximinus had brought over with him a highly disciplined and veteran army from the Asiatic provinces. Licinius on the other hand had collected an army of 30,000 from the province of Illyria. As the battle commenced, Licinius initially found himself overwhelmed by Maximinus’ numerical superiority. However, his superior military skill and the firmness of his troops soon turned the odds to his favour. By the end of the day had completely routed the forces of Maximinus, thereby obtaining a decisive victory.

Aftermath

Maximinus did not hang around to enjoy his defeat. The incredible speed which Maximinus exerted in his flight is much more celebrated than his prowess in the battle. Twenty-four hours afterwards he was seen pale, trembling, and without his Imperial ornaments, at Nicomedia, one hundred and sixty miles from the place of his defeat. Licinius took his time and soon pursued Maximinus into the Asiatic provinces.

References