A major Byzantine victory over Sasanian Persia in 586 CE that strengthened the Byzantine position in Mesopotamia during the war of 572–591.
Key Facts
- Year
- 586 CE
- Theater
- Northern Mesopotamia
- Byzantine Commander
- Philippicus
- Sasanian Commander
- Kardarigan
- Conflict
- Byzantine–Sasanian War of 572–591
- War ended
- 591 CE, negotiated settlement
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Battle of Solachon arose from the ongoing Byzantine–Sasanian War of 572–591. Philippicus, newly assigned to the Persian front, moved to intercept an anticipated Persian invasion, positioning his forces at Solachon to control routes across the Mesopotamian plain and access to the Arzamon River, the main local water source.
The Sasanian army under Kardarigan attacked the deployed Byzantine forces at Solachon. The Persians initially gained the upper hand in the centre, but both Byzantine flanks eventually turned their opponents. Facing double envelopment, the Persian army collapsed and fled, with many soldiers dying in the desert from thirst or water poisoning. Kardarigan survived by holding a hillock for several days before the Byzantines withdrew.
The Byzantine victory significantly improved the empire's position in Mesopotamia, though it proved inconclusive in ending the wider war. The conflict continued until 591, concluding with a negotiated settlement between Emperor Maurice and the Persian shah Khosrau II.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Philippicus.
Side B
1 belligerent
Kardarigan.