Siege of Singara (360)

Siege of Singara
Part of the Perso-Roman wars of 337–361
Date 360 Location Singara, Mesopotamia Result Sasanian victory [1] [2] [3]
Belligerents
Roman Empire	Sasanian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Constantius II	Shapur II
Strength
Legio I Parthica Legio I Flavia Constantia

The siege of Singara took place in 360, when the Sasanian Empire, under Shapur II, besieged the town of Singara, held by the Roman Empire. ^[1] The Sasanians successfully captured the town from the Romans. ^[1]

Siege

The fortifications of Singara—including its moat, both outer and inner walls, and projecting towers—clearly reflected the style of late Roman and early Byzantine military architecture, built to withstand well-equipped siege attacks. ^[4] Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus describes the Sassanian siege in 360, during which a massive battering ram finally brought down a round tower that had only recently been repaired. ^[4] This led to the capture of Singara. ^[4]

The 1st Flavian and 1st Parthian legions which had formed the garrison, as well as the inhabitants of Singara, were sent into captivity in Sasanid Persia. ^{[2] [3]}

References

1. Whitby 2007, p. 316.
2. Crawford 2016, p. 206.
3. Lieu 2006.
4. Oates 1956, p. 196.

Sources

• Crawford, Peter (2016). Constantius II: Usurpers, Eunuchs, and the Antichrist. Pen & Sword. ISBN   978-1783400553.
• Lieu, Samuel (2006). "NISIBIS". Encyclopaedia Iranica.
• Oates, David (1956). "The Roman Frontier in Northern 'Iraq". The Geographical Journal. 122 (2 (Jun.)): 190–199.
• Whitby, Michael (2007). Sabin, Philip; van Wees, Hans; Whitby, Michael (eds.). The Cambridge History of Greek and Roman Warfare, Volume 2 Rome from the Late Republic to the Late Empire. Cambridge University Press. ISBN   978-0521782746.