Battle of Ctesiphon
Outside the walls of Ctesiphon, near Salman Pak, Iraq
What happened
The Roman emperor Julian fought a Sasanian Persian army led by the general Merena, while King Shapur II was away with the main Persian army. Julian led a huge Roman army into the Persian Empire. Outside the walls of the Persian capital, Ctesiphon, his army crossed the Tigris River and won the battle. But Julian had no siege equipment, Shapur's main army was coming, and his men were short of food, so he decided not to besiege the city.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Although Julian won the battle, his campaign failed. During the retreat Julian was mortally wounded, and the Romans had to make peace on poor terms.
What came next
Julian died on 26 June 363 after a Persian raid near Samarra. His successor, Jovian, gave up Roman lands, including the city of Nisibis, to bring the army home safely.
Did you know?
Julian was the last Roman emperor who was not a Christian.
Timeline
- March 363Julian leaves Antioch to invade Persia.
- 29 May 363Julian wins outside Ctesiphon.
- 16 June 363The Roman army begins to retreat.
- 26 June 363Julian dies of his wound.
- 363Jovian makes peace and gives up Nisibis.