Battle of Issus (194) facts for kids

The Battle of Issus was a major battle in AD 194. It was fought between the armies of two powerful Roman leaders: Septimius Severus and his rival, Pescennius Niger. This battle was an important part of a period known as the Year of the Five Emperors. During this time, several Roman generals fought to become the next emperor.

The army of Septimius Severus, led by Publius Cornelius Anullinus, won the battle. Pescennius Niger was captured and killed soon after. To celebrate this big win, a special arch was built at the battle site.

Why the Battle Happened

Two Rivals for Emperor

Pescennius Niger was the Roman governor of a region called Syria. After the death of the previous emperor, Pertinax, Niger's soldiers declared him emperor. At the same time, Septimius Severus was also declared emperor by his own troops. This meant they were rivals, both wanting to rule the Roman Empire.

Niger's Retreat

Before the Battle of Issus, Niger's army had lost two battles at Cyzicus and Battle of Nicaea. After these defeats, Niger's soldiers moved back to the Taurus Mountains. They strongly defended a narrow mountain pass called the Cilician Gates. The commander of Severus's army, Tiberius Claudius Candidus, was replaced by Publius Cornelius Anullinus. This change likely happened because Candidus could not stop Niger's army from retreating.

The Battle of Issus

Setting the Stage

Finally, Anullinus's army entered Syria. The last big battle happened in May 194, near a town called Issus. This was the same place where Alexander the Great had famously defeated the Persian King Darius III many years earlier, in 332 BC.

Severus used clever tactics to weaken Niger's side. He had control over the children of some provincial governors who were living in Rome. This encouraged governors to switch their loyalty to Severus. He also used rivalries between cities in the region. Because of this, one legion (a large group of soldiers) joined Severus, and some cities rebelled against Niger.

How the Fight Unfolded

Severus's troops attacked first. Niger's soldiers threw spears and other weapons at them. According to an ancient historian named Dio, Severus's soldiers used a special formation called a testudo. In this formation, soldiers held their shields above and around them, like a turtle shell. This protected them from the incoming weapons.

At the same time, Severus's cavalry (soldiers on horseback) attacked Niger's army from behind. The fighting was very tough. But in the end, Severus won a clear victory. Niger quickly fled back to a city called Antioch. A sudden thunderstorm also played a part. It lowered the spirits of Niger's troops, who were facing the storm directly. They thought it was a sign from the gods.

After the battle, a special arch was built at the site to remember Severus's victory.

What Happened Next

This battle ended the fighting between Severus and Niger in the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Niger was caught and killed just a few days later.

However, a city called Byzantium continued to resist Severus's army until AD 196. They might have hoped that a third rival, Clodius Albinus, who was the governor of Britain, would defeat Severus in the west. Albinus was loosely allied with Niger. But the opposite happened at the Battle of Lugdunum, where Severus defeated Albinus.