Emperor Julianus’s Persian Campaign (March 5 - June 26, 363). On the role of the Roman-Byzantine fleet

Abstract

For the campaign against Sasanian Persia (March 5 - June 26, 363), Emperor Julian mobilized, in addition to ground forces, a large fleet. The number of vessels in its composition was from 1,100 to 1,250 units. The fleet was estimated by Ammianus Marcellinus at almost 20,000 people. The role of the fleet was limited almost exclusively to the supply of troops with food and logistical support. Sometimes, with the help of the fleet, cavalry and infantry units of the army were transported. Groups of ships took part in the siege of Anatha and Maiozamalcha. Large transport ships supported the landing of ground forces on the left bank of the Tigris, near the Ctesiphon.

Keywords

• julian ii
• the roman-byzantine fleet
• anatha
• maiozamalcha
• persia
• ctesiphon
• euphrates
• tigris