Parthia gets it (Orbis Romanum)
From Alternative History
Timeline: Orbis Romanum
June 5 44BCE Parthia
Julius Caesar sets out to avenge the defeat of Crassus against Parthia in 53 BCE where seven legions were lost. He sends one legion from Syria to the mountainous regions of Armenia as a feint and two weeks later sets out in the direction of Ctesiphon with two legions, auxiliaries and 4,000 cavalry from Gaul. Ctesiphon is a Parthian capital city 500 km from the Syrian border. It is larger and richer than Rome itself. A large contingent of Roman engineers for operating ballistae and building defenses are included.
July 19 44BCE Ctesiphon
The ruse is successful and Caesar arrives at the capital city of Ctesiphon in two weeks, outmaneuvering Parthian king Orodes II. Caesar's speed in combat is legendary. The Romans build a fortress near the walls as is the custom if the city is too large to surround. Siege engines are dragged in position and start hammering at the walls. King Orordes II arrives to relieve Ctesiphon with 2,000 cataphracts and 4,000 archers. The redoubtable Parthian archers on their armored horses expend their arrows against the Roman fortress in vain. Parthian heavy cavalry called cataphracts watch from a safe distance. The Romans respond with ballista volleys, not very accurate at the range but forcing the archers to retreat. The situation is critical for the Romans because general Crassus with a much larger force was defeated by the same enemy. Caesar decides on a tactic for the following day.
July 20 44BCE Ctesiphon
Early in the morning Caesar executes his plan. Gaul cavalry rides out and challenges Parthian archers. They wear no armor like the archers and have a speed advantage. They withdraw as soon as the archers appear, keeping out of range. The frustrated archers give chase and both parties disappear below the horizon so that only a dust cloud can be seen. In the evening the exhausted Gaul cavalry returns intact. The even more exhausted Parthian archers have made camp as the sun went down and are 20 kilometers away. Now the second phase of Caesar's plan unfolds. A party of veteran light auxiliaries sets out in the direction of the Parthian camp, while legion and more auxiliaries force-march behind them. The Parthian lookouts are exhausted, many having fallen asleep on the job. No trouble is expected so far from the Roman fortress however. It is common knowledge that infantry prefers to stay in their fortress during the night. One by one the lookouts are overcome, their throats slit. The Romans silently surround the sleeping Parthians. A Parthian with a weak bladder wakes up to relieve himself and notices muffled sounds and furtive shapes in the dark. A cry goes out but too late. With one accord and a great shout the Romans attack. The archers are exceedingly tired and at a disadvantage in the dark. Lightly armed auxiliaries storm the hated archers and cut them down mercilessly. Within two minutes most are dead or wounded. 250 Manage to escape on foot while the auxiliaries dispatch the wounded. King Orodes II has lost most of his army.
July 25 44BCE Ctesiphon
The defenders of Ctesiphon realize the walls are crumbling and send desperate signals to king Orodes II. The king in despair sends his heavily armored horse-mounted cataphracts against the Roman fortress. They breach the defences which were only intended to guard against arrows. Then they clash with the Roman legionaries inside, the best disciplined and toughest soldiers in the world. The result is disaster as the cataphracts are methodically cut down, unable to maneuver. Then everything seems to happen at once. The cataphracts are surrounded and slaughtered, Gaulish cavalry attacks the Partian supply wagons and the first cohort breaks through the walls of the city. No quarter is given as Parthian blood must flow to avenge Crassus.
July 26 44BCE Ctesiphon
The city has surrendered to Caesar. Surviving defenders and a large number of women and children will be sold in slavery, the customary punishment for those who dare oppose Rome. King Orodes II has escaped with his retinue to Ecbatana far to the east. Caesar leaves Octavian in charge and returns to Rome.
