Battle of Turin (312)
Battle of Turin | |||||||
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Part of Civil wars of the Tetrarchy | |||||||
Left: Head of the Colossus of Constantine, Vatican Museums Right: Bust of Maxentius, Pushkin Museum | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Constantinian forces | Maxentian forces | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Constantine the Great | Commander unknown | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
40,000 |
100,000 Including an unknown number of cataphractarii | ||||||
The Battle of Turin was fought in 312 between Roman emperor
Prelude
Although they were brothers-in-law, relations between Constantine and Maxentius had become strained. Both emperors originally achieved power unconstitutionally, through acclamation by their troops; however, Constantine had been recognised as legitimate within the
The battle
On approaching the important city of Augusta Taurinorum (
Contemporary panegyrics relate that victory was easily gained by Constantine's forces.[6] The people of Turin refused to give refuge to the retreating forces of Maxentius, and closed the city gates against them. The citizens reportedly cheered Constantine's troops as they slaughtered those of Maxentius' soldiers trapped against the city walls.[7] Following the battle, Constantine entered the city to the acclamations of its populace. Other cities of the north Italian plain, recognising Constantine's military prowess and his favourable treatment of the civil population, sent him embassies of congratulation for his victory.[8]
Aftermath
The victory at Turin opened Italy to Constantine. He moved on to Milan, where he was met with open gates and jubilant rejoicing. He resided there until the middle of the summer of 312 before moving on.[9] He routed an enemy cavalry force camped near Brescia, and later won a major battle at Verona, where Maxentius' most senior general, Ruricius Pompeianus, was killed. After Maxentian resistance in northern Italy had been overcome, Constantine marched on Rome, where he defeated and killed Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.[10][11]
See also
- List of Roman wars and battles
- Battle of Brescia
Notes
- ^ Stephenson, p. 122
- ^ a b Barnes, Constantine and Eusebius, 41; Odahl, 101–02.
- ^ Odahl, p. 102
- ^ Less than half a century earlier the emperor Aurelian had successfully dealt with Palmyrene cataphracts using club-armed infantry in his war against Zenobia (Battle of Emesa), see Sidnell, p. 278.
- ^ Panegyrici Latini 12(9).5–6; 4(10).21–24; Odahl, 102, 317–18.
- ^ Panegyrici Latini 12(9).8.1; 4(10).25.1; Barnes, Constantine and Eusebius, 41, 305.
- ^ Odahl, p. 102
- ^ Odahl, p. 103
- ^ Barnes, Constantine and Eusebius, 41–42; Odahl, 103.
- ^ Odahl, 103–104.
- ^ Stephenson, pp. 134-138
References
- ISBN 978-0-674-16531-1
- Odahl, Charles Matson. Constantine and the Christian Empire. New York: Routledge, 2004. Hardcover ISBN 0-415-38655-1
- Sidnell, P. (2006) Warhorse: Cavalry in Ancient Warfare, Continuum, London.
- Stephenson, Paul. Constantine Unconquered Emperor, Christian Victor. London: Quercus, 2009. ISBN 978-1-84916-002-5
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