First major engagement of the Roman civil war of 193, establishing Severus's dominance over Niger in the contest for the imperial throne.
Key Facts
- Year
- 193 AD
- Context
- Year of the Five Emperors
- Location
- Near Cyzicus, Asia Minor
- Victor
- Septimius Severus
- Defeated commander
- Pescennius Niger
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the assassination of Emperor Pertinax by the Praetorian Guards and the controversial auction of the throne to Didius Julianus, multiple provincial governors including Septimius Severus, Pescennius Niger, and Clodius Albinus each claimed the Roman imperial throne, triggering civil war.
Severus, after marching to Rome and having Didius Julianus executed, led his forces to Asia Minor to confront Niger. The two rival claimants met in battle near Cyzicus, where Niger's forces were defeated by the army of Severus.
The defeat at Cyzicus was a significant blow to Pescennius Niger's bid for imperial power, advancing Severus's campaign to consolidate control over the Roman Empire and eliminate his eastern rival during the Year of the Five Emperors.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Septimius Severus.
Side B
1 belligerent
Pescennius Niger.