Rome\'s worst military defeat

[Uwe Bahr]

Avete omnes,<br>
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I agree with Primus Veredus, Adrianopel was one of the most significant defeats because the Roman army never recovered from the losses of men and military structure.<br>
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But for me personally it was also a bitter defeat that Julianus II (from his Christian enemies so called 'Apostata') failed with his campaign against Shapur at Ktesiphon 12 years before; at the retreat and under permanent attacks of the pursuing Persians he was killed June, 26th 363 in a battle at Maranga nearby the river Tigris. IMHO this date marked the beginning of the end of antiquity as Julianus was the last Emperor who wanted to restore the old religion and philosophy and thus stood in a tradition of Emperors like Marcus Aurelius. His successors finally made Christianity to the official religion of the state and the destruction of the old temples and buildings began.<br>
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So both events, Maranga and Adrianopel, only 12 years apart what is a short distance in the history of Roman Empire, for me mark the turn of an era.<br>
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Uwe <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p200.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showUserPublicProfile?gid=uwebahr>Uwe Bahr</A> at: 7/14/04 7:56 am<br></i>