Battle of Mount Tifata
Part of Sulla's Second Civil War

Sulla Coin
DateNovember 83 BC
Location
near Mount Tifata
41°3′57.110″N 14°10′12.050″E / 41.06586389°N 14.17001389°E / 41.06586389; 14.17001389
Result Sullan victory
Belligerents
Optimates Populares
Commanders and leaders
Lucius Cornelius Sulla[1] Gaius Norbanus[1]
Strength
40,000[1] 60,000[1]
Casualties and losses
124 killed[1] 7.000 killed[1]
6.000 captured[1]
Battle of Mount Tifata is located in Italy
Battle of Mount Tifata
Location within Italy

The Battle of Mount Tifata was fought in 83 BC as part of Sulla's Second Civil War.[1]

History

It was fought in the foothills of Mount Tifata,[1] a spur of the Apennines,[2] close to the River Vulturnus, and is alternatively known as the Battle of Casilinum.[1] The location of the battle suggests that Sulla was moving on Capua.[1] The Optimate forces were led by Lucius Cornelius Sulla and his officer Quintus Caecilius Metellus, while the Populares were led by Gaius Norbanus.[1] The battle started when Sulla “immediately attacked” Norbanus, even though Velleius claims Norbanus attacked Sulla.[1] As an army under Scipio was currently moving to support Norbanus it is likely that Sulla attacked Norbanus by surprise before he could link up with Scipio.[1] In total Scipio's and Norbanus’ armies numbered 100,000 as compared to at most 40,000 under Sulla.[1] At Mount Tifata, Sulla had the bulk of his army with him, while Norbanus commanded 60,000 men (the rest were with Scipio). Sulla was victorious.[1][2] Afterwards Sulla besieged Norbanus in Capua.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Sampson, Gareth C. (2013-09-09). "6". The collapse of Rome : Marius, Sulla and the first Civil War, 91-70 BC. Barnsley, South Yorkshire. pp. Mostly section: Battle of Mount Tifata (Casilinum). ISBN 9781473826854. OCLC 893910287.((cite book)): CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  2. ^ a b Beesley, A. H. (2017). The Gracchi, Marius and Sulla. Pinnacle Press.


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