Battle of Korakesion

Battle of Korakesion
Part of Pompey's campaign against pirates
Skyline of modern Korakesion (Alanya)
Date 67 BC Location Korakesion, Roman Republic 36°31′48″N 32°00′36″E / 36.53000°N 32.01000°ECoordinates: 36°31′48″N 32°00′36″E / 36.53000°N 32.01000°E Result Decisive Roman victory
Belligerents
Roman Republic	Cilician pirates
Commanders and leaders
Pompey	Unknown
Strength
200 (Roman claim)	1000 (Roman claim)
Casualties and losses
?	?
Location within Turkey

The Battle of Korakesion, also known as the Battle of Coracesium, was a naval battle fought in 67 BC between the pirates of Cilicia and Pompey of ancient Rome. Plutarch describes it as the key battle of Pompey's clearing of the Mediterranean of pirates after several smaller battles. He writes of the battle that the pirates had about one thousand ships (almost certainly an exaggeration) against Pompey's two hundred, but were defeated in the initial naval engagement.

After retreating to the shore, the pirates were apparently besieged in the town of Coracesium, modern day Alanya, before surrendering.^[1]

References

1. Rauh, N. K.; Townsend, R. W.; Hoff, M.; Wandsnider, L. "Pirates in the Bay of Pamphylia: an Archaeological Inquiry". Clark University. Retrieved October 18, 2009.