Battle of Mursa Major
Mursa, on the Drava River, Croatia
What happened
The Roman emperor Constantius II fought the usurper Magnentius, who had seized power in the West. Magnentius besieged the city of Mursa on the Drava River, then pulled back to the open plain when Constantius's army arrived. Constantius's cavalry rode around and surrounded Magnentius's right wing. After a long, hard fight, Constantius won.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was one of the bloodiest battles in Roman history, and many historians call it a 'Pyrrhic victory'. Writers of the time said the losses left the army too weak to stop barbarian raids.
What came next
Constantius spent ten months rebuilding his forces before moving into Italy. He defeated Magnentius again at Mons Seleucus in 353, ending the civil war.
Did you know?
Constantius was not at the battle: he was praying at a martyr's shrine, where the local bishop brought him news of the victory.
Timeline
- 18 January 350Magnentius is proclaimed emperor.
- 28 September 351Constantius wins at Mursa.
- July 353Magnentius makes his last stand at Mons Seleucus.
- 10 August 353Magnentius dies.