Surena facts for kids

Surena or Suren (died 53 BC) was a famous general from the Parthian Empire. He was a leader of the House of Suren, a powerful family. Surena is best known for defeating the Roman army in the Battle of Carrhae.

Under Surena's command, the Parthians won a huge victory against a much larger Roman army. This battle was led by the Roman general Marcus Licinius Crassus. The Battle of Carrhae is seen as one of the most important early fights between the Roman and Parthian empires. It was also one of the biggest defeats in Roman history.

The name "Surena" is still popular in Iran. In Greek and Latin, "Surena" comes from Sûrên or Sūrēn. The name "Suren" is also common in Armenia. It means "the heroic one" or "strong and honored."

Surena's Life and Role

A Parthian mounted archer, like those Surena commanded.

A writer named Plutarch wrote about Surena around 125 years after he lived. Plutarch said Surena was a very important man. He was very rich and came from a noble family. After the king, Surena was the most respected person in Parthia. He was also the bravest and most skilled Parthian of his time. Plutarch also mentioned that Surena was very tall and handsome.

Surena was one of the most powerful people in the Parthian Empire. He had many followers, almost like a king himself. In 54 BC, Surena led troops for King Orodes II. They fought in a battle for the city of Seleucia. Surena showed great skill in this battle. He helped Orodes II become king again after he had been removed from power.

The Battle of Carrhae

In 53 BC, the Romans marched into the western lands of the Parthian Empire. King Orodes II sent his cavalry, or horse soldiers, to fight them. Surena was in charge of these soldiers. The two armies met at the Battle of Carrhae. This battle happened near Harran in what is now Turkey.

The Parthians had better equipment and used clever plans. They tricked the Romans into going deep into the desert. There, the Parthians defeated the Roman army, even though the Romans had more soldiers. This victory was a huge blow to the Romans. Plutarch wrote that 20,000 Roman soldiers died and 10,000 were captured.

This big win made a strong impression across the East. However, it did not change who controlled the land. After the battle, King Orodes II had Surena killed. It is believed the king worried that Surena had become too powerful and might try to take his place.

Surena in Stories

• The French writer Pierre Corneille wrote a play called Suréna in the 17th century. This play is based on the story of General Surena.
• Surena also appears as a small character in a book series by John Maddox Roberts. In The Catiline Conspiracy, Surena visits Rome as a diplomat. The main character, Decius Metellus, first thinks Surena is not very strong. But later, Decius realizes how wrong he was after Surena's victory at Carrhae.

See also

In Spanish: Surena para niños