The War in Spain 208BC-205BC

General Mamercus was wintering his men in enemy territory in preparation for the next season's campaigning when the garrison of Mastia ranged out to demonstrate their strength. They were led by one Carpophorus and offered battle in spite of being at a disadvantage in numbers.



Mamercus deployed in the forest, keeping the line as tight as he could, knowing communication could be difficult.



Carpophorus sent his heavy cavalry into the Roman right.



While he brought up the rest of his forces.



His army was composed mostly of fierce Iberian tribesmen, who drew up within missile range of the Roman centre.



Things got confusing, at some point the Qarthadastim on the Roman right broke.



Those arrayed against the left and centre continued the struggle.



In the centre, Carpophorus entered the fight in person.



The centre began to dissolve, unable to endure contact.



And in the fighting Carpophorus was killed.



Resistance didn't last long after that.



Mamercus took Mastia, left undefended by it's fleeing garrison.

At around the same time, the Romans received envoys from the communities on the Balearic islands, who wished to be free of Qarthadastim rule. Promising to support their bid for indepedence and providing them with funds to recruit on the mainland and a Roman advisor, they made their move.



They drew up in one long line, spearmen on the flanks, skirmishers out front.



The Qarthadastim wasted no time advancing to get to grips with the rebels.



Disdainful of them, Ashtartyaton Aleria charged at the head of his bodyguard.



But the superior numbers counted, even as the battle devolved into several smaller fights.



And the rebels had their victory, throwing off the Qarthadastim yoke.



In 205BC Mamercus had been rejoined by Decimus Claudius Pulcher, now recovered from his illness. They knew there wasn't much left in this war in Spain, Gader was the centre of the remaining Qarthadastim presence, and it's capture would signal Roman victory. Ashtartyaton Cercina sallied out of the fortified town, making good what strength the defenders had before starvation weakened them.



A smaller force approached from the rear, but Mamercus was concerned only with Cercina.



Cercina challenged Pulcher to personal combat, Pulcher accepted.



Pulcher was the victor of the combat, the loss of their general prompted flight and surrender.



And the final battle in Spain was done.



His men declared him imperator in the field, which meant Mamercus would celebrate a triumph for his actions. Provided of course that his enemies in the Senate didn't try to deny him the honour he had won.