Battle of Korakesion

The Battle of Korakesion, also known as the Battle of Coracaesium, was a naval battle fought in 67 BC between the Cilician Pirates and the Roman Republic. It was the culmination of Pompey the Great's campaign against the pirates of the Mediterranean; Plutarch describes it as the key battle of Pompey's clearing of the Mediterranean of pirates after several smaller battles. According to Plutarch the pirates had about a thousand ships (almost certainly an exaggeration) against Pompey's two hundred, but were defeated in the initial naval engagement. Florus also states it was not a hard-fought affair as the pirates soon realised they were out-classed and most of them simply surrendered.[2] After retreating to the shore, the remaining pirates were apparently besieged in the town of Coracaesium, modern day Alanya, before surrendering.[3]

Battle of Korakesion
Part of Pompey's campaign against pirates
Date67 BC
Location
Korakesion, Roman Republic
(modern-day Alanya, Antalya, Turkey)
36°31′48″N 32°00′36″E
Result Roman victory
Belligerents
Roman Republic Cilician pirates
Commanders and leaders
Pompey Unknown
Strength
200 ships (Roman claim) 1000 ships (Roman claim)
Casualties and losses
? 20,000 pirates surrendered[1]
Battle of Korakesion is located in Turkey
Battle of Korakesion
Location within Turkey

See also

References
  1. John Leach, Pompey the Great, p.72.
  2. App. Mith. XIV 95 and 96; Flor. loc. cit.
  3. Rauh, N. K.; Townsend, R. W.; Hoff, M.; Wandsnider, L. "Pirates in the Bay of Pamphylia: an Archaeological Inquiry". Clark University. Archived from the original on 2010-06-03. Retrieved October 18, 2009.


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