Battle of Antioch (218)

Quick Facts: Who was Battle of Antioch (218)?

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Battle of Antioch (218)

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A pivotal Roman battle in 218 CE that marked the downfall of Macrinus and the rise of Elagabalus.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Battle of Antioch (8 June 218) was fought between the Roman army of the Emperor Macrinus and his rival Elagabalus, whose troops were commanded by General Gannys, probably a short distance from Antioch. Gannys's victory led to Macrinus's downfall as emperor and his replacement by Elagabalus. Macrinus was elevated to the throne with the support of the Roman army following the assassination of his predecessor, Caracalla, by a disaffected soldier whilst on campaign against Parthia on 8 April 217. Macrinus may have played a role in orchestrating the assassination. He inherited all of the problems that Caracalla's reign had left for Rome: war against Parthia, threats from Armenia and Dacia, and extensive fiscal expenditures.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Macrinus successfully concluded a peace with Parthia, but at considerable cost to Rome and implemented policies to reduce monetary expenditures which stoked discontent within the military. Caracalla's aunt, Julia Maesa, took advantage of the soldiers's discontent, spending her wealth to champion her grandson, Elagabalus, as the rightful heir to the empire. Elagabalus, chief priest of the god Elagabal, was proclaimed emperor by the soldiers of Legio III Gallica at their camp in Raphanea on 16 May 218. In response, Macrinus sent one of his generals, Ulpius Julianus, with a small cavalry force to quell the rebellious soldiers, though they defected, killed Ulpius Julianus and sent his head back to Macrinus in Antioch. The battle took place less than a month later.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

While Gannys had the numerical advantage, in the opening stages of the battle Macrinus's Praetorian Guard broke through Gannys's lines causing his troops to flee. In response, Elagabalus's mother and grandmother joined the battle rallying the troops, while Gannys led a charge moving his troops to renew the assault and leading Macrinus to flee to Antioch in fear. He sent his son and co-emperor, Diadumenian, to Parthia and tried to return to Rome, but both were caught en route and executed. Elagabalus entered Antioch as the new emperor of Rome, and with Macrinus dead, the Senate had no choice but to accede to his ascension. By March 222, Elagabalus was also assassinated by the disgruntled Praetorian Guard, declared an enemy of Rome, and subjected to a damnatio memoriae.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battle of Antioch (218)

True or False: “Did Macrinus's initial support for his rule come from the endorsement of the powerful Roman Senate?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Macrinus was proclaimed emperor by the army after Caracalla’s death; the Senate viewed him with suspicion due to his equestrian class background.

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