Battle of Carrhae

Crassus invaded Mesopotamia seeking military prestige and led his army across exposed terrain near Carrhae. The Parthian commander Surena used horse archers and armoured cavalry to isolate and wear down the Roman formations.

Roman attempts to close with the enemy failed, Crassus’s son Publius was killed and the retreat disintegrated. Crassus was killed during negotiations, and captured standards became symbols of Roman humiliation.

Ian Hughes uses Carrhae to analyse logistical preparation, command failure and the tactical problems posed by a cavalry army able to maintain distance and ammunition.