Battle of Carnuntum

Battle of Carnuntum
Part of Marcomannic Wars
DateSpring 170 AD[1]
Location
near Carnuntum, Pannonia Superior, Roman Empire (modern-day Austria)
Result Germanic victory
Belligerents
Roman Empire
Commanders and leaders
Ballomar Marcus Aurelius
Strength
Unknown Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown about 20,000 killed[2]

The Battle of Carnuntum took place in 170 AD during the Marcomannic Wars. In the spring of 170 AD swarms of Germanic warrior bands attacked Roman provinces along the Danube River. In furtherance of this endeavor, and for mutual protection, the king of the Marcomanni, Ballomar, had allied with the Quadi tribe. Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius with his son-in-law and chief military adviser Tiberius Claudius Pompeianus crossed the Danube River to drive back the raiders. The Romans and Germans met outside Carnuntum in Upper Pannonia,[3] which was the headquarters for the Legio XIV Gemina. The Roman army was inexperienced and outmatched, and the ensuing battle was a disaster for the Romans. Although the legions fought hard and bravely, they were no match for the Germanic warriors. 20,000 Romans were killed. Following this victory the Germans besieged Aquileia and sacked Opitergium.[1]

  1. ^ a b Birley, Anthong R. (2012). "The Wars and Revolts". In van Ackeren, Marcel (ed.). A Companion to Marcus Aurelius. Chichester, West Sussex, England: John Wiley & Sons. pp. 217–233, pages 223–224. ISBN 978-1-4051-9285-9.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Steger was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Now called Petronell-Carnuntum