Battle of Chalcedon (74 BC)

The Battle of Chalcedon, fought in 74 BC, was a significant naval engagement during the Third Mithridatic War. It pitted the Roman forces of Lucius Licinius Lucullus against the Pontic fleet commanded by Mithridates VI Eupator.

The battle took place near the city of Chalcedon (modern-day Kadıköy, Turkey), on the Asiatic side of the Bosphorus. Lucullus, a skilled Roman general, had been tasked with driving Mithridates out of Roman territories and breaking his power. While Lucullus’s army was engaged in land campaigns in Bithynia, Mithridates attempted to outflank the Romans by sea, hoping to threaten Roman supply lines and even launch an attack on Roman territory.

Details of the battle itself are somewhat scarce and often conflicting in ancient sources. However, it is clear that Lucullus achieved a decisive victory. Mithridates’ fleet, which was likely larger than the Roman squadron, was routed. Many Pontic ships were sunk or captured. This naval victory proved crucial for Lucullus, as it secured his supply lines and allowed him to continue his campaign against Mithridates on land. The victory at Chalcedon significantly weakened Mithridates’ naval capabilities and contributed to the eventual Roman success in the Third Mithridatic War.