M. Licinius Crassus’ Parthian War: Campaign 53 BC

The article discusses a number of issues related to the Parthian campaign of M. Licinius Crassus. An attempt was made to show that Crassus, on the whole, was quite competent in directing the actions of his army, and he did not immediately lose his leadership. His main mistake was common to the Romans, who underestimated the capabilities of horse archers. It was the brilliantly realized combined use of horse archers and heavy cavalry that ensured the Parthians victory at Carrah. However, the significance of this victory should not be overestimated. It did not lead to a radical restructuring of international relations in the East. And the slogan "revenge for Crassus" becomes relevant only a decade and a half after his death.