In 340 BC Carthage sent a large army under Asdrubal and Hamilcar against Syracuse. If Plutarch is to be believed, the force numbered 70,000 and included many four horsed war chariots and Timoleon commanded only 5000 foot and a 1000 cavalry against them. Others put his forces somewhat larger at 12,000. Timoleon was able to catch the Carthaginians as they were crossing the river Crimissus, first sending his cavalry against them to disorder them and to prevent the Carthaginians forming a proper line. When the Greek infantry attacked a storm broke out and as the wind was blowing into the faces of the Carthaginians it became even more difficult for them to fight. The crack Carthaginian citizen Sacred Band fought bravely and, according to accounts, to the last man. Centuries: 5th century BC - 4th century BC - 3rd century BC Decades: 390s BC 380s BC 370s BC 360s BC 350s BC - 340s BC - 330s BC 320s BC 310s BC 300s BC 290s BC Years: 345 BC 344 BC 343 BC 342 BC 341 BC - 340 BC - 339 BC 338 BC... A map of the central Mediterranean Sea, showing the location of Carthage (near modern Tunis). ... Map of central Mediterranean Sea, showing location of Syracuse on the island of Sicily. ... Timoleon (c. ... The Sacred Band of Carthage was the elite military force guarding the city of Carthage itself. ...

The Carthaginians were defeated and Timolean captured their baggage camp.