Timeline: 4th Century (Gaul Rising)

Roman Reconquest of Cappadocia
Since 298, Roman Emperor Messalla was taking steps to rapidly rebuild the Roman army so that he could launch an invasion of the breakaway province of Cappadocia. These efforts were a success: between 298 and 304, approximately 30,000 men enlisted. In 304, Messalla, Maximian, and several prominent generals agreed that the time was right to invade Cappadocia.

The invasion began in May 304, with 40,000 Roman soldiers participating. Messalla opted for a two-front invasion. 25,000 of the participating men would invade from the southwest, and the remaining 15,000 would stage a naval invasion from the north.