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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by DragonflySixtyseven (talk | contribs) at 23:13, 25 September 2008 (Protected Battle of Opis: Let's try this again, you squabblers. I promise to work more on the dispute once I feel better. ( (expires 23:13, 9 October 2008 (UTC)) (expires 23:13, 9 October 2008 (UTC)))). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

The Battle of Opis, fought in September 539 BC, was the second and final engagement, between the forces of Cyrus the Great of Persia led by his son, and Nabonidus of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. It followed an earlier battle on the Tigris said to have taken place some time in February 539 BC.As the gateway to the Babylonian heartland, Cyrus had to go through Opis and the Babylonian king, Nabonidus, knew it. In anticipation of Cyrus' arrival, Nabonidus had stationed the bulk of his army at Opis under the command of his son, Belshazzar, and had the bridge leading to Opis destroyed. So Cyrus built a pontoon bridge and, after crossing the river, laid siege to Opis' defensive "Median Walls." After a ferocious battle, the forces of Cyrus captured Opis.

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