BATTLE // January 1, 0633
Battle of al-Anbar
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
The Battle of al-Anbar was fought as part of the early Muslim conquest of Persia, in which Khalid ibn al-Walid led a Rashidun force of approximately 9,000 against a Sasanian garrison reported at 30,000 at the fortified city of Anbar, roughly 80 miles from ancient Babylon. Despite the disparity in force sizes, the battle resulted in some 7,000 Sasanian casualties and the eventual surrender of the Persian governor Shirzad, who was permitted to retire. The fall of Anbar represented the reduction of a significant Sasanian stronghold in the Mesopotamian theater and extended Rashidun reach deeper into Persian-held territory during the opening phase of the conquest campaign.
Tactics
Khalid ibn al-Walid besieged the Sasanian garrison, which held a city fortress with strong walls. Rather than attempting to storm the fortifications directly, he deployed scores of Muslim archers with orders to aim specifically at the eyes of the Persian defenders. This concentrated archery at the garrison's personnel was the defining tactical feature of the engagement and contributed to the capitulation of governor Shirzad, who subsequently surrendered the fortress. The battle is recorded in historical memory under the name 'Action of the Eye' in reference to this archer tactic.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- Rashidun Caliphate9,000medium
- Sasanian Empire30,000medium
Sasanian Empire fielded a 3.3 : 1 numerical advantage
Casualties
- Sasanian Empire7,000medium23% loss rate
Commanders (2)
Rashidun Caliphate
Sasanian Empire
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