Battle of the Asio River (82 BC)

The Battle of the Asio River took place in March of 82 BC during the context of Sulla's Second Civil War. The battle pitted the Optimates under the command of Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus against the Populares forces commanded by Gaius Carrinas. This battle marked the start of this phase in the civil war and resulted in an Optimate victory.

The Battle

After a brutal winter, fighting commenced between the two opposing forces in the spring fighting season. The Battle for the Asio River was the first battle, taking place on the banks of the river. Fighting was bloody with the Optimate infantry advancing and successfully breaking the Populare infantry who were obliged to fall back. At that moment, the Optimate cavalry commanded by Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus attacked the retreating Populares inflicting high casualties.