191 BCE naval battle in which the Roman Republic and Pergamon defeated the Seleucids
The allied victory at Corycus allowed Rome and Pergamon to blockade the Seleucid fleet at Ephesus, shifting naval control in the Aegean during the Roman–Seleucid War.
Key Facts
- Date
- September 191 BC
- Seleucid ships lost
- 23 warships
- Roman commander
- Gaius Livius Salinator
- Pergamene commander
- Eumenes II
- Seleucid commander
- Polyxenidas
- Conflict
- Roman–Seleucid War
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Roman–Seleucid War, the Seleucid fleet under Polyxenidas held an initial numerical advantage over the combined Roman and Pergamene naval forces in the eastern Aegean. Seeking to press this advantage, Polyxenidas initiated an attack on the allied fleet off the promontory of Corycus, aiming to defeat Rome's sea power before it could be consolidated.
Polyxenidas attacked the allied fleet, but the Roman squadron maneuvered seaward, neutralizing the Seleucid numerical superiority. The allies then deployed grappling hooks to board Seleucid vessels, overwhelming their smaller crews with marine infantry in close-quarters combat. After losing 23 warships, Polyxenidas ordered a withdrawal, leaving the remaining Seleucid fleet in retreat.
The allied victory enabled the Roman and Pergamene fleets to blockade the remnants of the Seleucid navy in the port of Ephesus, severely curtailing Seleucid naval freedom of movement in the Aegean. This outcome shifted the maritime balance of power in Rome's favor and set the stage for further Roman operations in the region during the Roman–Seleucid War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Gaius Livius Salinator, Eumenes II.
Side B
1 belligerent
Polyxenidas.