On This Day In History: Battle Of Cibalae Was Fought Between Two Roman Emperors – On Oct 8, 314

AncientPages.com - On October 8, 314, the Battle of Cibalae was fought between the two Roman emperors Constantine I and Licinius.

It was an armed conflict in 314 ad, during Constantine's war with Licinius from 314 to 324.

Two Roman emperors: Left: Licinius  (c.263 - 325) and right: Constantine (272 - 337)

In the summer of 314 A.D., Constantine, at the head of his 20,000-strong army, crossed the mountain passes, heading for the valleys of the Sava and Drava rivers.

In Lower Pannonia, Licinius awaited him, whose army of 35,000 took up defensive positions near the town of Cibalae (now Vinkovci) northwest of Sirmium. Constantine led select units, m.in. Germans and Gallic cavalry, while Licinius ' troops consisted of hastily assembled, less experienced soldiers.

Constantine's troops advanced between the nearby hill and the marshes. The line of Licinius ' troops was directed towards the hill, with little protection on the wings.

The battle began with the attack of the main forces of Licinius, who was repulsed by the enemy's cavalry. Then Constantine's infantry attacked the center of Licinius ' Army. The battle, which lasted until the evening, ended with the victory of Constantine's troops and the escape of Licinius with the rest of the forces to Thrace.

His losses amounted to several thousand men, and Constantine lost several thousand soldiers.

AncientPages.com

Expand for references