Battle of Daras, 530
|
Medieval Era
|
2 comments
| Belisarius versus Firuz: A Byzantine army under Belisarius chooses to fight a Sassanid army under Firuz outside the walls of a fortress rather than from within. Will Belisarius’ defensive position hold out against Firuz’ attacks? Also known as the Battle of Dara. Click on the image below to view.
 The glory of this battle was overshadowed by Belisarius’ defeat at Callinicum in 531. While a loss at this battle would have hurt Byzantium, the battle stands out for its tactical intrigue and little more.
This battle illustrates the successful transition from defensive to offensive maneuver. Napoleon stated “The whole art of war consists in a well-reasoned and extremely circumspect defensive, followed by a rapid and audacious attack.” While Belisarius achieved the former, his attack was hardly audacious and the Sassanid army was repelled and not destroyed.
 This is another battle I have animated from Goodenough’s Tactical Genius in Battle. Details regarding this battle vary. Sources disagree on the exact shape of the Byzantine ditch and the relative timing of the two Sassanid cavalry attacks.
- Jonathan Webb
Tell a Friend:
            Tags: ambush, attack from a defensive position, belisarius, byzantium, cavalry, daras, envelopment of both flanks, firuz, infantry, persian, sassanid
 |
SPONSORED SITES
|
|
|
||
Supported Sites |
Supported Readings |
Weider History Group |
Weider History Network: HistoryNet | Armchair General | Once A Marine | Achtung Panzer! Terms of Use | Copyright © 2009 Weider History Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. |
||
Loading ...
2 Comments to “Battle of Daras, 530”
All accounts i have red of this battle (including a new Belisarius book that came out in April 2009) state that Belisarius refused to pursue the fleeing Persian army because the Persians were notorious for being able to rally and re-strike. If Belisarius’ army was out in the field against a much more rapid Persian army, even one running away,it would have been a total defeat for Belisarius once the Persians rallied. So, I think its prudent that Beliarius chose not to pursue the Persians.
By Ziggy on Sep 29, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Belisarius accomplished the most with very little resources - he may have lost a battle - but the persian army lost much more (ref to the battle lost in 531) -
By Steve on Nov 12, 2009 at 3:10 pm