Battle of Mount Tifata

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] Sulla was victorious.[1][2] Afterwards Sulla besieged Norbanus in Capua.[1]