07-08-2012, 06:15 PM
To me the Persian numbers seem quite exaggerated. Of course the Romans downplayed the defeat of Valerian (at least some of them did). There surely were Persian incursions after the battle of Edessa. Now according to the Romans Odaenathus gathered some of the Roman troops in the area, the Persians were attacked by a certain Callistus/Ballista as well.
In the meantime Macrianus (a former officer in Valerian's army) had time to lead 30.000 troops (according to the HA) in a revolt against Gallienus. To me this sounds like there was quite some confusion after Valerian was captured, on the other hand the loss in the battle itself can't have been all that devastating as there were still enough troops left to drive back the Persians, start a civil war with a substantial force and the troops in Egypt don't seem to have participated at all.
In the meantime Macrianus (a former officer in Valerian's army) had time to lead 30.000 troops (according to the HA) in a revolt against Gallienus. To me this sounds like there was quite some confusion after Valerian was captured, on the other hand the loss in the battle itself can't have been all that devastating as there were still enough troops left to drive back the Persians, start a civil war with a substantial force and the troops in Egypt don't seem to have participated at all.
