When did Trajan's Parthian campaign take place?
Trajan's Parthian campaign ran from 113 to 117. Roman forces invaded Armenia in 114 and pushed into Mesopotamia the following year.
Questions about Trajan's Parthian campaign
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Why did Trajan invade Parthia?
Historians disagree on why Trajan invaded Parthia. Explanations range from a bid to control the Persian Gulf trade route through Charax. Cassius Dio, by contrast, saw prestige and territorial annexation as the sole motive. Other historians point to a more modest aim, a defensible eastern frontier along the Khabur River.
Did Trajan capture Ctesiphon during his Parthian campaign?
Yes, Trajan's forces captured Ctesiphon, the Parthian capital, before sailing down to the Persian Gulf. He then declared Babylon a new Roman province and had his statue erected on the Gulf shore.
Why did Trajan's Parthian campaign fail?
Trajan's Parthian campaign collapsed after a Parthian noble named Sanatruces led a resistance that retook Roman positions in Mesopotamia and Armenia. At the same time, a Jewish uprising known as the Diaspora Revolt broke out across Egypt, Cyprus and Cyrene, forcing Trajan to withdraw his army.
How did Trajan's Parthian campaign end?
Trajan's Parthian campaign ended when he installed Parthamaspates as a client king of Parthia and withdrew to Syria to deal with the Jewish uprisings. He died in 117 before he could resume the war.
What happened to Lusius Quietus after Trajan's Parthian campaign?
Lusius Quietus, who suppressed the Jewish revolt in Judaea in what became known as the Kitos War, was promised a consulate for 118. He was killed instead during the purge of senators that opened Hadrian's reign.