53 BCE

Battle of Carrhae: Romans defeated, and Crassus killed, by Parthians led by General Surena. The Parthian Empire achieved a decisive victory against Rome at the Battle of Carrhae, where General Surena defeated and killed Roman triumvir Marcus Licinius Crassus. According to some historical interpretations, the Mahestan (Parthian noble council) supported preparations for the defense of the empire and advised the king during the military mobilization. Crassus sacks the Temple of Hierapolis and the Temple in Jerusalem on his way to engage the Parthians.

In the 50s BC, the 1st century BC.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • Consuls: Marcus Valerius Messalla and Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus.source

Conflict & Security

  • May 6 – Battle of Carrhae: Romans defeated, and Crassus killed, by Parthians led by General Surena.source
  • The Parthian Empire achieved a decisive victory against Rome at the Battle of Carrhae, where General Surena defeated and killed Roman triumvir Marcus Licinius Crassus. According to some historical interpretations, the Mahestan (Parthian noble council) supported preparations for the defense of the empire and advised the king during the military mobilization.source
  • Vercingetorix, an Arverni chieftain, leads a revolt against Caesar in Central Gaul.source
  • Julius Caesar suppresses a revolt led by Ambiorix near Sabis (Northern Gaul).source
  • Artavasdes II becomes king of Armenia.source
  • Winter – Caesar enrolls non-citizen soldiers in Gallia Transalpina, genesis of Legio V Alaudae. He increases his army to ten legions.source

Crime & Justice

  • At Cenabum (modern Orléans) Roman merchants are massacred by the Carnutes.source

Disasters & Accidents

  • Crassus sacks the Temple of Hierapolis and the Temple in Jerusalem on his way to engage the Parthians.source

Births

  • Aristobulus III, high priest of Jerusalem (died 36 BC)source
  • Yang Xiong, Chinese politician and philosopher (died AD 18)source

Deaths

  • May 6 – Publius Licinius Crassus, son of Marcus Licinius Crassus — executed after the Battle of Carrhaesource
  • May 6 – Marcus Licinius Crassus, Roman politician and general — executed after the Battle of Carrhaesource
  • Abgar II, Arab king of Edessa (modern Turkey)source
  • Gaius Scribonius Curio, Roman statesman and oratorsource