Philippopolis (First Gothic Invasion of the Empire).
This city was besieged, 251, by the Goths, under Cniva, and after a gallant defence, and the defeat of an attempt by Decius to relieve it, was stormed and sacked. It is said that 100,000 of the garrison and inhabitants perished in the siege and subsequent massacre.
Philippopolis (Russo-Turkish War).
Fought February 17, 1878, between the Russians, under General Gourko, and the Turks, under Fuad and Shakir Pashas. The Turks made a stubborn defence of the approaches to Philippopolis, but were overpowered by superior numbers, and forced to retreat with a loss of 5,000 killed and wounded, 2,000 prisoners, and 114 guns. The Russians lost 1,300.
Philipsburg (War of the Polish Succession).
This fortress, held by the Imperialists, was besieged 1734, by the French, under the Duke of Berwick. The Duke was killed by a cannon ball while visiting the trenches, but the place fell soon afterwards, notwithstanding the efforts of Prince Eugene to relieve it.
Pieter's Hill (Second Boer War).
The scene of the severest fighting in the course of Sir Redvers Buller's final and successful attempt to relieve Ladysmith. The operations commenced by the capture of Hlangwane, on February 19, 1900, which gave the British command of the Tugela, which was crossed on the 21st. On the 22nd a steady advance was made up to the line of Pieter's Hill, which was attacked by the Irish Brigade, under General Hart, on the 23rd. At a cost of nearly half their numbers, they succeeded in establishing themselves under cover, close to the Boer trenches, but could not dislodge the defenders. It was not till the 27th, when Buller had turned the Boer left, that a general assault was successful, and the Boers evacuated the position. The British losses during the operations were 1,896 killed and wounded.
Pingyang (Chino-Japanese War).
Fought September 15, 1894, between the Japanese, 14,000 strong, under General Nodzu, and 12,000 Chinese, entrenched in a strong position. After severe fighting the Chinese were driven from their entrenchments with heavy loss. The Japanese lost 650 killed and wounded.