Costobocan Invasion of Moesia and Greece(170)
Background
Rome was exhausted by the Marcomannic Wars on the Middle Danube front; the Costoboci saw a window of opportunity for an unprecedented raid deep into the empire.
Campaign: Barbarian Incursions in Roman Dacia (170–271 AD)
Forces Engaged
The Battle
The Costoboci, a powerful tribal confederation north of the Carpathians, exploited Roman preoccupation with the Marcomannic Wars to launch a massive deep-penetration raid. They bypassed Dacian frontier forts, swept through Lower Moesia, Thrace, and Macedonia, and reached Eleusis in Greece, plundering the sacred Eleusinian Mysteries Sanctuary. Roman vexillations eventually intercepted and expelled them. Governor Clemens then directed the Vandal Astingi tribe to attack the Costobocian homeland, destroying them as a future threat.
Casualties & Outcome
Roman Empire achieved victory over Costoboci.
The Costoboci destroyed by Roman Vandal allies; the province of Lower Moesia launches a massive urban fortification programme; Rome reconsiders the defence of the Balkan frontiers.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
It shocked the Roman world by demonstrating the vulnerability of the interior Balkan provinces. It led to large-scale fortification of Thracian and Moesian cities. The sacking of Eleusis was one of the most psychologically devastating events of the Antonine period.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Costobocan Invasion of Moesia and Greece?
- The Costobocan Invasion of Moesia and Greece took place in 170. 170–171 AD.
- Who won the Costobocan Invasion of Moesia and Greece?
- The Roman Empire were victorious against the Costoboci.
- What was the significance of the Costobocan Invasion of Moesia and Greece?
- It shocked the Roman world by demonstrating the vulnerability of the interior Balkan provinces. It led to large-scale fortification of Thracian and Moesian cities. The sacking of Eleusis was one of the most psychologically devastating events of the Antonine period.