In June 204, before the summer storms rose up in the Mediterranean, newly elected Proconsul Scipio stood on the prow of his ship at Lilybaeum on the west coast of Sicily. In full view of his fleet and troops, he offered prayers and sacrifices for a safe crossing. Trumpets sounded and the Armada launched. They carried food for 45 days and cooked food for 15. Each ship carried tons of equipment. They were going to land at Lesser Syrtis (Gulf of Gades), 165 miles from Carthage. Soon after departing, however, a thick fog enveloped the fleet and they lost their bearings.
The Ship’s Captain approached Scipio with the bad news. “Commander, to be honest, I’m not sure of our location. This fog lifts and closes in again. We are heading west, but that’s all I know. The current wants to push us to the north and I’m trying to counter that, but exactly where we will end up is anyone’s guess. If we stay on track, we should see land in two day, if we are north of Syrtis, we will hit land after about 19 hours of rowing.”
Sea currents and wind forced them northwest. Less than a day after their departure, they spotted the shore line in the distance. The Captain approached Scipio. “Sir, I can’t be sure yet but I think we’re looking at Pulchrum also known as “Fair Promontory” (modern Sidi Ali El Mekki). In the old days, Roman ships were forbidden by Carthage to sail south of that landmark. What do you want me to do?”
Red Flag is Sidi Ali El Mekki. Carthage is near La Marsa (Google Maps)
Scipio asked, “How far away is Carthage?”
The Captain replied, “About 30 miles south.”
“Captain, this is where the gods have sent us; this is where we’ll stay. Make for the shore.” The Captain ordered the transports to run up onto the beach while the warship stood guard off shore. Scipio unloaded his troops and horses and sent the fleet across the bay to a harbor by Utica, about 5 miles south. As Scipio disembarked, he stumbled as he stepped off the ship and hit the beach hard with his foot. Ever mindful of good and bad omens, Scipio loudly announced, “The gods desire that we hit Africa hard.”
He then organized foraging parties and sent them into the interior to gather food, water, forage, slaves, and loot. These parties were not opposed and ravaged the countryside. With the rest of his army, he prepared Castra Cornelia, a strong fort close to the water on a ridge line with a swamp on one side. Since Rome controlled the Mediterranean, the fleet would be able to resupply him by sea. Despite the proximity to Carthage, the foragers were able to wander far and wide gathering supplies and spreading panic. Rome had alerted Masinissa of Scipio impending arrival and he was ready to join Scipio as soon as he landed. He arrived shortly with 200 Numidian horsemen. He told Scipio, “Syphax has taken my Kingdom and I have no more cavalry to offer you other than these loyal 200.”
Once the Carthaginian Senate learned that Scipio had landed, they directed Hasdrubal Gisco, the overall Army Commander, to assemble an army to repel the Romans. Despite numerous small Roman raiding parties, it had been 50 years since a strong determined Roman force had landed in Africa. The Carthaginian Senate was caught off guard. Hasdrubal recruited a strong cavalry force numbering 4,000 under the Command of Hanno that he quartered at Salaeca, a small town about 15 miles west of Utica. At the same time, he sent riders to Syphax begging him to send his army. To gather intelligence on the Roman invasion, he also sent a cavalry detachment of 500 horsemen to scout Scipio’s camp. This detachment ran into a Roman foraging party and attacked them.
When Scipio heard about the attack, he turned his anger into a plan. He gathered his leaders including Masinissa and said, “The enemy knows we are here and has probably guessed our intentions. Given enough time, they have the capability to recruit an army that will threaten to overwhelm us. Our only counter is to destroy them as they are assembling. Masinissa, I want you to take your horsemen and ride to Salaeca. Your job there is to lure Hanno and his men out of the town to attack you. When they come out, you will retreat. If they return to Salaeca, repeat your threat. I want you to lure them to a series of hill about 5 miles from Salaeca where my Legions and cavalry will be waiting. The Legions will march tomorrow morning while it is still dark. Prepare your men!”
The following morning at 3:00 A.M. the Legions left camp and by noon took up a position behind a series of low hills. Scipio’s cavalry was on the other side of the field similarly behind hills. Once the Roman trap was set, Masinissa rode to Salaeca and circled the town throwing spears and torches into the stables. The town reacted like a disturbed bee hive. Hanno’s men swarmed out and attacked Masinissa. Just when it would appear that Hanno had the upper hand, Masinissa would skillfully retreat and draw Hanno’s men farther from Salaeca and closer to the waiting Romans. When Masinissa knew he was dead center in the killing zone, he stopped his retreat and turned to fight. Hanno’s men were closing in for the kill when the Roman cavalry appeared from behind a hill and slammed into the swirling melee of horses. During the confusion, the Legions advanced with a steady gait, and began throwing their pila. Realizing that they had ridden into a trap, Hanno’s men began to flee, but not before 1,000 lay dead upon the field. Masinissa and the Roman cavalry gave chase and killed another 2,000 including Hanno. It was a decisive Roman victory. Scipio offered thanks to the gods.
Scipio then sent his men to capture Salaeca and many other towns in the surrounding area including one very wealthy town. He captured prisoners, loot, and food stocks. Most of the prisoners and loot were sent back to Sicily, but some prisoners were retained to assist his troops besiege Utica.
Carthage was in a panic. Some argued to sue for peace, but were shouted down. Carthage was not ready to concede. Hasdrubal had earlier persuaded Syphax to switch his allegiance from Rome to Carthage, but he was slow to send troops. Hasdrubal doubled his recruiting effort and was slowly amassing an army. He then rode to visit Syphax to apply more pressure. His personal appeal convinced the reluctant Syphax to contribute men and horses.
While the Carthaginian Senate argued over what to do next, Scipio decided to winter over at Castra Cornelia and initiate a formal siege of Utica, which was easier said than done. The city had massive towering walls, and was ably defended. Scipio sent a request to Sicily shortly after his arrival in Africa to send him heavy siege equipment. It arrived the day of the victory over Hanno, and the siege began in earnest. The Roman navy assailed the city from the sea and his Legions attack it from the land side. After 40 fruitless days, he decided to return to his camp for the winter and took his siege equipment with him.
While Scipio tried to force Utica to capitulate, Hasdrubal and Syphax had been busy assembling an army. They had the time to recruit a large army of about 30,000 infantry and 5,000 to 6,000 horsemen, and were camped only seven miles from Scipio.
Throughout this period Scipio received a steady supply of arms food, and clothing for the troops by sea. Rome was now fully supporting his effort. Additionally, his command in Africa was extended for the duration of the war.
Syphax was determined to mediate a peace treaty between Rome and Carthage and opened negotiation with Scipio. Scipio went along hoping to convince Syphax to once again switch sides and become an ally of Rome. Syphax’s position was that Scipio should leave Africa and Hannibal would leave Italy. Scipio went along with his ruse and continued to talk, but he was in Africa to destroy Carthage’s power once and for all. His goal was total victory.
He faced a tactical decision. A large army was nearby and Utica with its large garrison was in his backyard. If he attacked Hasdrubal and Syphax, Utica’s garrison could sally out and attack him in the rear. He also learned that the Carthaginian were rebuilding their fleet to attack his fleet and cut off his supply route to Sicily. He made preparations to counter the enemy fleet and moved his siege equipment back to Utica to give the appearance that Roman troops would once again invest the city. He hoped that this gesture would pin the Uticans in place.
He encouraged the negotiation with Syphax and Hasdrubal. Envoys went back and forth and even would stay at the enemy camp for a week at a time.
Scipio used these occasions to gather intelligence on the two separate camps of Syphax and Hasdrubal. He sent Tribunes dressed as slaves to wander around and study the camps’ defenses. Syphax and Hasdrubal were separated by about a mile. Hasdrubal’s camp was made out of wood and had ramparts that were fully manned. Syphax camp was made out of sticks and reeds and the men slept in tents in and around the camp. His ramparts were minimally manned.
In March 203 BC, Scipio sent an ultimatum to Syphax to accept the terms of the tentative agreement or break off talks. To his great surprise, all his terms were accepted, which he really didn’t want. Scipio responded that he was pleased, but that his Military Council disagreed. Scipio could now end the negotiations and honorably resume hostilities.
He shared his plans with no one and only told his Commanders late on the night of the attack. “Prepare the troops to depart camp at midnight. Laelius and Masinissa will take half the force and attacked Syphax and his Numidians. Bring torches and set his camp afire. Surround the camp so one escapes. I will take the rest of the Army and attack the Punic camp. After the attack, prepare to pursue the survivors. The Numidian camp is about a mile beyond the Punic camp so my army will march at a slower pace to allow you to get into position. Be careful of their outposts. We must not fail! I will leave a Legion here to guard our camp.”
At midnight, Laelius and Masinissa departed Castra Cornelia. They proceeded carefully and deliberately. Because of the frequent exchange of envoys, the route was well known. After they left, Scipio led the other half of the army out of camp. Three hours later, Laelius and Masinissa arrived at the Numidian camp. It was quiet and there were few guards posted on the walls. Masinissa’s men surrounded the camp while Laelius’ men lit the torches and threw them over the walls. The ensuing pandemonium surprised even the Romans. The fires jumped from reed hut to reed hut and the entire camp was a raging inferno in minutes. Men ran in all direction. Some wore little or no clothing, none had weapons, and as they ran out of the gates or jumped over the walls, they met Masinissa’s men who showed them no mercy. The killing went on until the Numidians died by the sword or were burnt to death. Despite the conflagration, Syphax and 2,000 of his men and 500 horses got out in the confusion.
Scipio’s men similarly surround the Hasdrubal’s camp and threw their torches. The fires spread much slower, but no one suspected an attack. Fires happened all the time. Some of the Punic men gathered their gear and tried to exit the camp. That’s when it became clear that they were under attack and this was no accident. Scipio’s men continued the killing started by Laelius and Masinissa. The pursuit of those who managed to escape started immediately and continued well into the next day. When it was over, the Romans estimated that they had killed 30,000 to 40,000 and taken 5,000 prisoners.
Scipio led his jubilant men back to camp and renewed his siege on Utica. Meanwhile Syphax rode about eight miles from the burning camp before deciding to return to Numidia. He had had enough!
The Carthaginian Senate was appalled at the losses suffered by Hasdrubal. They feared that nothing could stop Scipio. Resentment directed against Mago was growing. Why hasn’t he attacked to join Hannibal? The Senate sent for Hamilcar and directed him to travel to Italy and order Mago to attack. Hamilcar was also told to stay in Italy if Mago were defeated to rally the Gallic Tribes to rise up against Rome. They reasoned that a general revolt among the Cisalpine Tribes would continue to divert Legions away from Scipio and Hannibal. Hamilcar was a Carthaginian general as well as a shrew, ruthless, charismatic man with a gift for persuasion and public speaking. The Senate gave him adequate funds for his extended mission and told to depart immediately. He left Carthage in March 203 with an escort of five men and rode to Cirta in Numidia to arrange his travel. He hired a Numidian fishing boat to disguise his origin and sailed for the coast of Spain. Since the sea was full of Roman warships, he hugged the coast all the way to Genoa. The disguise worked and they travelled unmolested. Hamilcar delivered the Senate’s message to Mago in late April 203.
Mago was irate! He told Hamilcar, “I am facing seven veteran Legions. Nearly half my army consists of untrained, unruly, and ill-disciplined Ligurians and Gallic soldiers. I’m not worried about my Carthaginians, they will fight well, but these native levies will not change their ways. They are either too drunk to train or off visiting their women. If the Senate wants me to attack, I will attack and may the gods have mercy on us!”
While enroute home after the devastating defeat of the two camps, Syphax encountered 4,000 Celtiberians mercenaries who had been recruited by Punic agents in Spain. They knew nothing of the recent defeat and were marching to join Hasdrubal. He camped with them and was strengthened by their optimism and desire for battle with Scipio. He also received several messages from his Carthaginian wife Sophonisba to stay the course and pursue a final victory. Her words and his love for her convinced him to continue fighting.
After the fire destroyed his camp and army, Hasdrubal took refuge in a nearby walled town, but was told to leave when the pursuing Romans came into view. He departed and the town subsequently surrendered.
A few weeks later, Syphax and Hasdrubal linked up and began recruiting a new army. Local Carthaginians, fearful of the invading Romans, flocked to join the new army and within a mere 30 days, Syphax and Hasdrubal had 30,000 new, but untrained recruits.
This army set up their camp in a great swath of open plains near the Bagradas River (modern Medjerda River), about 80 miles due west of Scipio’s camp near Utica. Recruiting agents were sent throughout the area to bolster the size of the army. The small nearby community of Souk-el Khremis sold goods to the troops and was enjoying an economic boom.
The Leadership in Carthage was in a state of disarray. When they received word of Scipio’s victory, they had to abandon their plan to besiege Scipio at Utica by land and sea. Scipio was now free to roam the countryside and could even attack Carthage itself if he wanted. The citizens began to strengthen the walls and prepare for a siege. Some wanted to make peace with Scipio, others favored recalling Hannibal, but the majority ruled in favor of recruiting a new army and continuing the struggle.
In late April 203 BC, Masinissa’s scouts were the first to report the presence of Hasdrubal’s large and growing army. He reported his findings to Scipio. “Commander, my scouts have found Syphax and Hasdrubal. They are a five day’s march west in an area called the Great Plains. New recruits are joining them daily and they will soon be too large to fight. I suggested we destroy them while we can.”
Scipio saw the wisdom of an immediate attack and began his planning. He decided to leave a portion of his men at camp to continue to put pressure on Utica while the rest of the army would go west. To move faster, he left most of his baggage at camp and planned to march 16 miles a day. Five days later, the army of 25,500 men arrived at the Great Plains. They dug in their camp three and a half miles from Hasdrubal’s. Scipio was anxious to start the fight and marched his men out as soon as the camp was built. They advanced to within a mile of the enemy and formed up in a standard triplex acies with Masinissa’s cavalry on the left and his Roman cavalry on his right. Hasdrubal didn’t respond. For the next three days, Scipio marched his men out of camp and offered battle, but Hasdrubal refused to fight with his untrained men. Throughout the three days, the skirmishers from both sides engaged each other in the open space between the two armies.
Souk-el Khremis - Great Plains Battle (Google Maps)
Finally, on the fourth day, Hasdrubal marched his army of 30,000 green recruits out of camp. Having been defeated at Ilipa and seeing two of his camps burnt to the ground by Scipio, Hasdrubal was extremely wary. He expected Scipio to manage some surprise even in this open ground. Hasdrubal put his strong and highly motivated Celtiberians mercenaries in the center of his line and his Carthaginian and Numidia infantry on their flanks. He placed his Numidian cavalry on his left and his Carthaginian cavalry on his right. Hasdrubal knew the mercenaries could go toe to toe with the Romans, but the rest of
his army was barely trained. He expected them to break and run.
Without any fanfare, the two sides charged each other across the open plains. The Legionaries knew the Celtiberians were a tough foe and could only fight them to a standstill. The flanks were a different matter. The Numidian and Carthaginian infantry had never before faced a hostile army intent on killing them. They were uneasy and nervously eyed one another looking for encouragement. The first volley of pila broke their resolve. The second and third volleys sowed pure terror. They fell back and quickly broke and fled the field. Similarly, Masinissa’s horsemen and the Roman cavalry routed the enemy cavalry as soon as they charged.
The Celtiberians were the only line in Hasdrubal’s army that continued to fight. They had nowhere to run. The plains were wide open and they were far from home. Scipio skillfully ordered his Principe and Triarii to move to their left and right respectively and encircled the Celtiberians while the Hastati held them in place. The results were predictable. The Celtiberians fought to the last man. Scipio’s men showed them no mercy. The time gained by this protracted struggle enabled the Numidian and Carthaginians who fled the battlefield to make a clean escape. There was no Roman pursuit.
With the elimination of this Carthaginian army, Scipio held a council of war to determine his next step. After a prolonged discussion, Scipio decided on three courses of action. He would keep part of the army in the region around the Medjerda River and accept the surrender of the surrounding cities or force them into submission. Masinissa and Laelius would take another part of the army and travel to Syphax’s kingdom in Numidia. The intent was to overthrow him and replace him with Masinissa. The rest of the army would continue with the siege of Utica.
The Carthaginian Senate faced a similar decision. With the most recent defeat of Hasdrubal and Syphax, there was no one left in Africa to oppose Scipio. They decided to send an envoy to Hannibal at Bruttium and order him to return to Africa to face Scipio. Some suggested opening a dialogue with Scipio as a delaying tactic until Hannibal could arrive. The Senate still held high hopes that, with any luck, Mago might be as good as his brother and defeat the Romans opposing him. If he were successful, Rome would have to recall Scipio to defend their capital. The newly built Carthaginian fleet was ordered to row to Utica to engage the Roman warships to keep Scipio occupied, and break his resupply route with Sicily. All these proposals were put into motion.
Legio XVII: Battle of Zama Page 38
