Battle of Zama

[chenkai11]

Thanks for the info, I didn't know the sacred band was not allowed to fight due to politics. Poor Carthaginians, knowing the enemy is at the gate, and some A hole still play politics.

I trying to understand the tactics and stradegy of Hannibal during that battle.

First, the second line of carthaginian citizens didn't support the first line mercenaries, causing the first line to rout (although it's a even fight between mercenaries and hastati) and ended some killing each other between the carthaginians and mercenaries. While the Hastati were supported by the principes. Did not Hannibal order the second line to support the mercenaries?

By the look of Hannibal's formation, he seems to reserve his veterans to the final moment. So he trust his mercenaries and green soldiers to match Roman legions?

By the description of the battle, Hannibal doesn't seems like Hannibal in battle of cannae and other famous victory he gained over the Romans. I mean, I don't see any special tactics used.

The use of elephants is a waste, and he expected that his elephants alone could somehow kill numbers of his enemies? Unlike what Pyhrros did to the Romans.

And Hannibal know he lost his cavalry to the enemies, did he not anticipated it might happened to him what he did on Cannae?

May be he is too convident winning over the Romans that cause some misjudgement? He gained many victories only to threaten Rome, but lost only one battle which lead to the fall of Carthage.