Shapur II's siege of Bezabde

Shapur II besieged the fortress city of Bezabde in Zabdicene in 360, held by the Romans. Despite adamant resistance from three Roman legions and local archers, the Sasanians led by Shapur II successfully besieged Bezabde and defeated the Roman force.

Shapur II's siege of Bezabde
Part of the Perso-Roman wars of 337–361
Date 360 Location Bezabde, Zabdicene (modern-day Turkey) Result Sasanian victory
Belligerents
Roman Empire	Sasanian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Shapur II
Strength
Legio II Parthica Legio II Armeniaca Legio II Flavia Virtutis Local archers

A battering-ram reportedly brought down one of the towers, through which the besiegers entered the city.

Later that year, Constantius II tried to retake Bezabde, but was unsuccessful.

Sources

• Crow, James (2018a). "Bezabde". In Nicholson, Oliver (ed.). The Oxford Dictionary of Late Antiquity. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-866277-8.
• Crow, James (2018b). "Zabdicene". In Nicholson, Oliver (ed.). The Oxford Dictionary of Late Antiquity. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-866277-8.
• Whitby, Michael (2013). "Siege Warfare and Counter-Siege Tactics in Late Antiquity (ca. 250–640)". In Sarantis, Alexander; Christie, Neil (eds.). War and Warfare in Late Antiquity: Current Perspectives. Brill. ISBN 978-9004252578.