Battle of Corycus

Battle of Corycus
Part of the Roman–Seleucid War

Relief depicting a Roman warship
DateSeptember 191 BC
Location
Off Corycus, Ionia (modern-day Turkey)
38°06′N 26°36′E / 38.1°N 26.6°E / 38.1; 26.6
Result Roman–Pergamene victory
Belligerents
Roman Republic
Pergamon
Carthage
Seleucid Empire
Commanders and leaders
Gaius Livius Salinator
Eumenes II
Polyxenidas
Strength
155 ships 170–200 ships
Casualties and losses
1 ship seized 13 ships seized
10 ships sunk
Battle of Corycus is located in Aegean Sea
Battle of Corycus
Location within Aegean Sea

The Battle of Corycus, also known as the Battle of Kissos, took place in September 191 BC. It was fought as part of the Roman–Seleucid War, pitting the fleets of the Roman Republic led by Admiral Gaius Livius Salinator and its Pergamene allies under Eumenes II against a Seleucid fleet of Polyxenidas.

The battle began when Polyxenidas attacked the allied fleet off Corycus. The Roman squadron maneuvered seaward, negating the initial numerical advantage the Seleucids possessed. The allies then used grappling hooks to board the Seleucid ships and overwhelm their smaller crews with marine infantry. Polyxenidas ordered a withdrawal after losing 23 warships. The victory at Corycus, enabled the allies to blockade the remnants of the Seleucid fleet in the port of Ephesus.