Battle of the Cerna River(1916)
Background
Romania's Entente treaty included a promise of a coordinated Salonika offensive to draw off Bulgarian forces. The Monastir Offensive partially fulfilled that pledge, though too late to save the 1916 campaign.
Campaign: Romanian Campaign 1916
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Romanian and Serbian forces held the Cerna valley against repeated Central Powers attacks in difficult mountain terrain.
The only historical record of the siege is Trajan's Column, a controversial source primarily as an edilic-artistic work. There is also debate over whether the Romans actually fought to conquer Sarmizegetusa or whether the Dacians destroyed their capital while retreating before the advancing legions. Most historians agree, however, that a siege of Sarmizegetusa did take place. The first attack was repelled by the Dacian defenders. The Romans bombarded the city with their siege weapons and, at the same time, constructed a platform to facilitate entry into the city. They encircled the city with a circumvallation wall. Eventually, the Romans destroyed the water supply of Sarmizegetusa and forced the Dacians to surrender before setting fire to the city. Roman forces succeeded in entering the Dacian sacred area, where they hailed Trajan as emperor and then levelled (destroyed) the entire city.
Casualties & Outcome
~3,000 killed and wounded (Romanian/Serbian); ~4,000 killed and wounded (Bulgarian/German)
Romania / Serbia achieved victory over Germany / Bulgaria.
The Monastir Offensive captured Monastir on Nov 19. Romanian involvement pinned Bulgarian forces but did not produce strategic relief for the collapsing home front.
Significance & Legacy
Rare Allied success on the Southern Front in 1916.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of the Cerna River?
- The Battle of the Cerna River took place in 1916. Oct 17–Nov 1916.
- Who won the Battle of the Cerna River?
- The Romania / Serbia were victorious against the Germany / Bulgaria.
- What was the significance of the Battle of the Cerna River?
- Rare Allied success on the Southern Front in 1916.