Battles & Campaigns · 260
Battle of Edessa
Between Carrhae and Edessa (modern Şanlıurfa), south-eastern Turkey
What happened
The Sasanian Persian army of King Shapur I fought the Roman army of Emperor Valerian. Shapur invaded Roman lands in northern Mesopotamia while Valerian's army was weakened by disease and other wars. The two armies met between Carrhae and Edessa, and the Romans were badly defeated. Valerian was captured.
Why it matters
Why it matters: For the first time ever, a Roman emperor was taken prisoner by an enemy. The shock helped set off revolts across the Roman Empire.
What came next
Valerian stayed a prisoner for the rest of his life, and his son Gallienus ruled alone for years.
Did you know?
A rock carving at Naqsh-e Rostam in Iran shows Valerian bowing before the victorious Shapur.
Timeline
- 253Valerian becomes Roman emperor.
- Spring 260Shapur defeats Valerian near Edessa and captures him.
- 260Revolts break out across the Roman Empire.