Ancient Europe

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Carrhae, Battle of

(53 BC) Battle that stopped the Roman invasion of Parthian Mesopotamia (see Parthia). The Romans were led by Crassus, who wanted a victory to balance those of his fellow triumvirs Pompey and Julius Caesar. With seven legions (about 44,000 men) but little cavalry, he was defeated in the desert by 10,000 mounted Parthian archers and was killed while trying to negotiate. His defeat damaged Roman prestige, and his death gave impetus to Caesar's quest for power.

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