Battle of Naissus
The text of the Athenian Dexippus has survived only indirectly through quotations in the fourth-century Augustan History. Modern historian David S. Potter declared this source to be poor despite its importance for the period. Surviving accounts include Zosimus' New History and George Syncellus' Selection of Chronography. These works rely principally on the lost history of Dexippus. The narrative provides an almost radically different interpretation of events compared to other sources. Imperial propaganda from Constantine's dynasty added more confusion by attributing all calamities to Gallienus. This was done to avoid blemishing the memory of Claudius who was a supposed ancestor of the dynasty. Controversy still exists regarding the number of invasions and the order of events. Scholars debate whether these events belong to the reign of Gallienus or Claudius II.
A massive invasion began during the reign of Gallienus in 267 when Heruli raiders appeared on 500 ships. They ravaged the southern Black Sea coast and unsuccessfully attacked Byzantium and Cyzicus. The Roman navy defeated them but they escaped into the Aegean Sea. They sacked cities including Athens, Corinth, Argos, and Sparta. An Athenian militia led by the historian Dexippus pushed the invaders northward. The Roman army under Gallienus intercepted them near the Nestos River. Reported barbarian casualties reached 3,000 men before Heruli leader Naulobatus made terms with Romans. A second larger sea-borne invasion started later involving Goths, Gepids, and Peucini. Sources claim a total of 2,000 to 6,000 ships carrying 325,000 men though this is likely an exaggeration. The coalition assembled at the mouth of river Tyras and attacked towns like Tomis and Marcianopolis. Their fleet was wrecked while trying to sail through violent currents of the Propontis. They entered the Aegean Sea and ravaged islands as far as Crete and Rhodes.
Gallienus left Lucius Aurelius Marcianus in place after his victory near the Nestos River. He hastily left for Italy intending to suppress the revolt of cavalry officer Aureolus. Gallienus was assassinated outside Milan in the summer of 268 in a plot led by high officers. Claudius was proclaimed emperor and headed to Rome to establish his rule. His immediate concerns were with Alemanni who had invaded Raetia and Italy. He defeated them in the Battle of Lake Benacus before taking care of invasions in Balkan provinces. Aurelian was in charge of all Roman cavalry during the reign of Claudius. He led the decisive attack in the battle against the Goths. The Romans tricked the Goths into an ambush by pretending flight at the critical point. Large numbers on both sides were killed but the Romans ultimately prevailed.
The Goths were engaged near Naissus by a Roman army advancing from the north. The battle most likely took place in 268 and was fiercely contested. Some 50,000 Goths were allegedly killed or taken captive according to Zosimus. The Romans used deception to trap the enemy forces at the critical moment. A large number of Goths managed to escape towards Macedonia initially defending themselves behind their laager. They suffered from harassment by Roman cavalry and lack of provisions. Many died of hunger while trying to retreat through the region. The Roman army methodically pursued and surrounded the survivors at Mount Haemus where an epidemic affected the entrapped Goths. After a bloody but inconclusive battle they escaped but were pursued again until surrender.
Prisoners were admitted to the army or given land to cultivate and become coloni after the fighting ended. Members of the pirate fleet retreated and many suffered similar ends after failed attacks on Crete and Rhodes. The plague also affected the pursuing Romans and Emperor Claudius who died from it in 270. The psychological impact of this victory was so strong that Claudius became known as Claudius II Gothicus Maximus. However devastating the defeat was the battle did not entirely break the military strength of Gothic tribes. Troubles with Zenobia in the east and the breakaway Gallic Empire in the West remained urgent issues. The victory at Naissus could only serve as temporary relief for the troubled Empire. In 271 Aurelian repelled another Gothic invasion before abandoning Dacia north of the Danube.
The result was a great Roman victory which largely removed the threat from Germanic tribes in Balkan frontier for following decades. Effective pursuit of invaders combined with energetic efforts of future Emperor Aurelian secured the region. The Crisis of the Third Century continued despite this major success against barbarian forces. Modern scholarship usually attributes the final victory to Claudius II rather than Gallienus. The single invasion theory has been rejected in favour of two separate invasions by most historians. Evidence remains too confused for an entirely safe reconstruction of events. The abandonment of Dacia allowed Rome to rationalize defense of its empire during turbulent times. This decision marked a significant shift in imperial strategy regarding northern borders.
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Common questions
Who won the Battle of Naissus in 268?
The Roman army under Emperor Claudius II Gothicus Maximus defeated the Goths near Naissus. Modern scholarship attributes this victory to Claudius rather than Gallienus.
When did the Battle of Naissus take place?
The battle most likely occurred during the year 268 while Claudius was emperor. Some sources suggest events may belong to the reign of Gallienus but the main engagement happened after his death in summer 268.
How many Goths died at the Battle of Naissus according to Zosimus?
Zosimus claims that some 50,000 Goths were killed or taken captive during the conflict. The actual number remains uncertain as evidence is too confused for a safe reconstruction.
Where did the Battle of Naissus occur geographically?
The fighting took place near the city of Naissus where the Roman army advanced from the north. Survivors later fled towards Macedonia and were pursued to Mount Haemus where an epidemic affected them.
Why did the Romans use deception at the Battle of Naissus?
Roman forces tricked the Goths into an ambush by pretending flight at the critical moment. This strategy allowed them to trap enemy forces and ultimately prevail despite heavy casualties on both sides.