Explores the critical battle of Carrhae, a fascinating tale of
treachery, tactics, and topography in which Rome experienced one of its
most humiliating defeats.
The Battle of Carrhae is from a heady moment in Roman history - that of
the clever carve-up of power between the 'First Triumvirate' of Caius
Iulius Caesar, Cnaeus Pompeius Magnus and Marcus Licinius Crassus (the
Roman general who had famously put down the Spartacan revolt). It is a
fascinating tale of treachery, tactics, and topography in which Rome
experienced one of its most humiliating defeats at the hands of the
Parthians, not far from a trade-route town hunkered down on the fringes
of the arid wastes of northern Mesopotamia, sending shock waves through
the Roman power structure.
Join classical historian Dr Nic Fields as he draws out the crucial
psychological and political factors (including Crassus' lust for
military glory and popular acclaim) that played a key role in this
brutal battle. Relive in full detail how, despite being heavily
outnumbered, the Parthian general Surena's horsemen completely
outmanoeuvered Crassus' legionaries, killing or capturing most of the
Roman soldiers. Explore the tactics and techniques of the Parthian horse
archers, uncover details of Roman and Parthian equipment and weaponry,
and experience the last stand of Publius Crassus, son of Marcus
Licinius.
