Battle of Mount Tifata

41°3′57.110″N 14°10′12.050″E / 41.06586389°N 14.17001389°E / 41.06586389; 14.17001389Result Sullan victoryBelligerents Optimates PopularesCommanders and leaders Lucius Cornelius Sulla^[1] Gaius Norbanus^[1]Strength 40,000^[1] 60,000^[1]Casualties and losses 124 killed^[1] 7.000 killed^[1]
6.000 captured^[1]

The Battle of Mount Tifata was fought in 83 BC as part of Sulla's Second Civil War.^[1]

History

It was fought in the foothills of Mount Tifata,^[1] a spur of the Apennines,^[2] close to the River Vulturnus, and is alternatively known as the Battle of Casilinum.^[1] The location of the battle suggests that Sulla was moving on Capua.^[1] The Optimate forces were led by Lucius Cornelius Sulla and his officer Quintus Caecilius Metellus, while the Populares were led by Gaius Norbanus.^[1] The battle started when Sulla “immediately attacked” Norbanus, even though Velleius claims Norbanus attacked Sulla.^[1] As an army under Scipio was currently moving to support Norbanus it is likely that Sulla attacked Norbanus by surprise before he could link up with Scipio.^[1] In total Scipio's and Norbanus’ armies numbered 100,000 as compared to at most 40,000 under Sulla.^[1] At Mount Tifata, Sulla had the bulk of his army with him, while Norbanus commanded 60,000 men (the rest were with Scipio). Sulla was victorious.^[1][2]

References