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Background

In 256 BC, two Roman consuls invaded the Carthaginian homeland in Africa. The Roman army soon forced the capitulation of Clupea, a town 40 miles east of Carthage. After setting up defences of the city and gathering some 20,000 slaves and herds of cattle from the countryside, they received new instructions from Rome. These stated that consul Lucius Manlius Vulso was to set sail for Rome, taking most of the fleets (including all transports) with him. Consul Marcus Atilius Regulus, on the other hand, was to stay with 15,000 infantry and 500 cavalry.

By now, Carthage had recalled the General Hamilcar and his 5,000 Infantry and 500 cavalry from Sicily to join with Generals Bostar and Hasdrubal in Africa. The combined Carthaginian force set about organizing the defences of Adis, a city 40 southeast of Carthage, that was now under threat of Roman siege. Despite possessing superior cavalry and elephants, the Carthaginians took up position on a hill overlooking the plain of Adis.

Battle

Unbeknownst to the Carthaginians, the Romans quickly deployed their force around the hill under cover of darkness, and attacked from two sides at dawn. The Carthaginians held their ground at a stalemate for a while, and even pushed back a Roman legion. This gap in the battle allowed for the unchallenged elephants and Carthaginian cavalry to escape. But eventually the Carthaginians were crushed and fled the site. The Romans pursued for some time, and then looted the enemy camp. Encountering no resistance, the Roman army continued on a march to Carthage, stopping at Tunis.

Aftermath

This defeat caused great turmoil in Carthage. Numidians rose up against their overlords and refugees from the countryside flooded the city. Naturally, this great population surplus coupled with a ravaged countryside led to a food crisis and the possibiity of disease outbreak. Despite these threats, Regulus and his army of two legions had little chance of reducing the city without reinforcements. Worse, his consulship would soon be up and he would not receive the glory for ending the war. Negotiations ensued between the parties with Regulus demanding Carthage cede Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia, renounce the navy, pay an indemnity, and sign a vassal-like treaty. Naturally, Carthage refused.

Assessment

The opening move of the Carthaginians to create a fortified position on the hill could have ultimately helped their position. The base was sound, but the natural features (ravines and rugged outcrops) prevented the most potent element of the Carthaginians land forces from fighting: their cavalry and elephants. Consequently the Roman army close at hand saw a perfect chance to use their heavy infantry to smash the trapped enemy.

References

• Bagnall, Nigel. The Punic Wars. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1990.

See Also

• First Punic War
• Carthage