Siege of Singara

The Battle of Singara was fought in 344 between Roman and Sassanid Persian forces. The Romans were led by Emperor Constantius II, while the Persian army was led by King Shapur II of Persia. The Persians were attempting to take the fortress of Singara, but were not successful.

Background

When Shapur II took control of the Sassanid Empire he sought to regain old territories previously lost to the Eastern Roman Empire. After crushing Lakhmid Arabs rebellion in the south, he headed toward Mesopotamia and recaptured Armenia. From there he started his first campaign against Constantius II, a campaign which was mostly unsuccessful for Shapur II.

Battle

Shortly after besieging Singara, eastern nomadic tribes attacked and plundered Transoxiana province and eastern cities of the Sassanid Empire. Hearing the news of nomadic raids, the Roman resistance and the fact that his military force was not sufficient to hold the captured cities discouraged Shapur and made him lift the siege.

Outcome and Aftermath

Shapur in conclusion of his unsuccessful campaign against Roman empire, signed a peace treaty with Constantius II in which both sides agreed not to attack each other's territory for a limited period of time. The peace treaty gave Shapur security he needed in the western borders of the Sassanid empire and assurance for his forward campaign against nomads. He began eastern campaign and after a prolonged struggle he recaptured those areas previously lost to Sassands and forced nomads to conclude a peace. He also made their king, Grumbates, to accompany Shapur in the war against the Romans. He then started his second campaign against Romans in year 359, a campaign that was overwhelmingly successful for the Sassanid Persians and a total of five Roman provinces were ceded to Persians.

See also

• Siege of Amida