- The Battle of the Hellespont (July 324 CE) was a naval battle fought between Licinius and Crispus, the son of Constantine I.
- It was the last Sea Battle involving the Trireme, which became obsolete after being defeated by the smaller but more manoeuvrable 30 oared vessels.
The Reason for the Battle
- Part of Licinius’ army controlled Byzantium, and his navy controlled the Sea Crossings over the Hellespont to Bithynia, where he had moved the bulk of his army.
- Constantine I needed to take control of the Hellespont so that he could move his army into Asia Minor.
The Commanders
- Constantine I and his son Crispus
Versus:
- Licinius and Abantus
The Strength of the Forces under Constantine I
- Total Fleet: 200
- 80 vessels with 30 oars
The Strength of the Forces under Licinius
- Total Fleet: 350
- Triremes: 200
The Battle
- Day 1: The Hellespont
- Constantine’s son Crispus, led 80 small vessels with 30 oars, against Abantus’ 200 Triremes in the Hellespont. Abantus’ fleet was routed and forced to regroup in the Hellespont.
- Day 2: Gallipoli
- The two forces met near Gallipoli, and only 4 of Licinius’ vessels survived.
- The rest were sunk, captured or shipwrecked, partly due to a storm.
The Outcome
- It was an overwhelming victory to Constantine I who now controlled the sea crossings to Bithynia and cut off Licinius’ lines of communication.
- Constantine I was able to move his army into Asia Minor and confront Licinius.
- Battle of Chrysopolis (18 September 324 CE) where Licinius was defeated and forced to surrender.
- Constantine I was now the sole Emperor of a reunited Roman Empire.
Hellespont Strait