Chapter 19 – Byzacium secured (summer 261bc)
Admiral Tertius, commander of the 2nd Scipii fleet was nervous. He had beyond all his own expectations managed to navigate his small fleet through hostile waters without encountering the enemy. The Biremes were now spread thinly covering the mouth of Carthage harbour ensuring that no ships could enter or leave without a fight. This was all well and good as long as the ships trying to do this were only unarmed merchants. If the Carthaginian navy turned up the small Roman force would be swept away. Tertius offered a short prayer to Neptune, he didn’t have to hold this blockade for long.
Elsewhere in the City of Thapsus Julianus Scipio was pacing the room restlessly. Several weeks ago he had received word from his Brother Quintus. The Carthaginian army that had been operating in Byzacium had finally been pinned down and Quintus fully expected to bring them to battle shortly. The enemy numbered some six thousand fighting men whilst the Romans in the field numbered less than four thousand. Julianus had thought to lead the 3rd Legion out to reinforce his brother until his scouts informed him that some Carthaginian troops had been seen crossing the boarder from the north. He was relieved to discover that they were only four hundred strong. Still the possibility that a larger army could be close behind prompted him to keep the 3rd billeted in Thapsus. Although the appointment of the local council led by the Carthaginian turncoat Gelon had helped ease the transition in rule within the city Julianus did not feel totally confidant that the people would not revolt if they thought relief from Carthage was approaching and he wanted the 3rd here just in case. Lucius had been sent with the 3rd Legions Equites and a force of four hundred Velites to intercept the threat from the north. So now Julianus waited for news from his son and his brother. Until he had heard from both he knew he’d get little sleep.
Secundus Barbatus settled into his tent. He knew he’d get little sleep as the prospect of battle filled him with dread and excitement in equal measures. He only wished he could feel as confidant as Quintus and Alexander. They were outnumbered almost two to one and even though Secundus knew the Romans were made of much sterner stuff than the Carthaginians he couldn’t help thinking the disparity in numbers would be too much.
Alexander the Greek filled his cup with more wine and was not surprised to hear the voice of his commander and good friend, “Not too much Wine Alexander. Remember we give battle tomorrow and I want you fresh for it.”
Alexander chuckled, “Come now Quintus. I could thrash those curs even if I had drunk so much that I couldn’t even stand!”
Quintus shock his head, “Maybe so but you want to enjoy yourself tomorrow don’t you? You won’t do that with a sore head!” Both men fell about laughing.
As the sun began its ascent the men of the 1st Legion were preparing themselves. Led by their General Quintus Scipio they marched out of their camp and began forming themselves into battle array. Every man in the camp knew they were outnumbered by some thousands but every man knew he was worth five of the enemy. The 1st numbered 1200 Velites, 1200 Hastati and 270 Equites. Supporting them were 490 Greek Mercenaries of which a little over half were Hoplites the remainder Peltasts, 220 Samnite Mercenaries and 230 Numidian Mercenaries. They also had Quintus’ 210 Guard cavalry and Secundus’ 130. Alexander as always would take position with the Hoplites.
Facing them was Bisaltes commanding 110 Guard Cavalry, 1200 Javelin Skirmishers, 400 Iberian Light Swordsmen, 4200 Light Spearmen, 90 Libyan Spearmen and 400 Libyan Skirmishers.
The Romans deployed in their tried and tested formation. The Hastati holding the centre were screened by the Velites in front. The right flank was covered by the Greek Mercenaries and the Equites and the left by the Samnites and Numidians. Quintus deployed behind the main infantry line ready to react to any problems. Alexander as usual led the Greek Hoplites from the front and Secundus was tasked with commanding the left. As the last man fell into line the enemy army was spotted cresting the hill, the battle was on.
The trumpets blared and as one the Roman army began its advance. Once more a sound like thunder echoed across a battlefield as thousands of well drilled Roman feet marched in step, Quintus smiled to him self, surely a sound to drive fear into the enemy’s hearts. The two mighty armies drew closer to each other.
Quintus gave the signal and the trumpets bellowed out the command. The Velites broke into a run to begin their harassment of the enemy army whilst the main line halted, waiting for the signal to attack.
Bisaltes watched the advancing Roman army with a mixture of awe and hatred. The enemy sent Skirmishers to harass his lines. He knew that his lightly armoured troops would suffer from intense Javelin fire and he was not all together confidant that his own skirmishers could drive back the hated Romans but still they went forward to try. The two lines exchanged a volley, it was hard to tell but Bisaltes was sure the Romans got the worse of it. He saw the rightmost unit of Velites fall back slightly. We’re they wavering? In an instant he made a choice, seconds later his bodyguard were charging forward. If he could break the Roman Velites with his own Skirmishers intact he’d have a huge advantage.
Bisaltes was goading his horse on, faster he wanted to ride these damn Romans down and kill them all. The flat of his sword was slapping at his horse’s rear, he wanted her to move faster. Then too late did he realise his mistake.
Secundus watched from a distance as the Velites skirmished with their opposite number. He watched as the enemy cavalry swept down the slope and he watched as the Velites fell back towards his position. He knew the enemy had too few cavalry to waste in this matter and he knew who was leading the charge. Damn fool he thought to himself. Few armies could withstand the loss of their General before the main fight had even begun. He watched as the Velites neared and he watched as the enemy General, encouraged by the fleeing enemy continued giving chase. As Bisaltes realised his mistake and begun to reign in his horse Secundus decided the time for watching was over.
Vettias cheered as his General led the charge that scattered the enemy skirmishes. His elation turned to dismay as he saw Bisaltes stray too close to the main Roman lines, his dismay turned to terror as he saw his General charged by over 500 Roman horse. With me he shouted as he begun running forward hoping to get there in time. The 400 Iberian swordsmen he commanded followed at a run.
Quintus struck out with all his strength and was rewarded as another Carthaginian fell from his saddle. Bisaltes already lay dead his body crushed by the press of horsemen but his bodyguard did not retreat. Quintus swivelled in his saddle and saw the Iberian swordsmen bearing down on him. They were too close and his men were scattered, but still he attempted to organise them ready for a charge but he need more time. As if the gods themselves had heard his thoughts he saw as Secundus led his cavalry into a charge against this fresh foe. Quintus smiled, the minutes bought had been enough and with a shout he led his guard in the charge.
Vettias realised too late that he had made the same error as his General. He was too far away from the main line and even as he prepared to lead his main back he saw the Roman horse bearing down on him. He let out a primeval scream as he prepared to sell his life. At least he’d die as a warrior.
Quintus had barely caught his breath, but now he knew was the time. With another blast on the horns the main Roman infantry line began their advance. Pausing only to give the enemy a volley of Pila they charged. The Carthaginians line was longer so the Velites had reformed on the wings to put and end to any thoughts the enemy had to outflanking them. Quintus, Secundus and the Numidians circled round the Carthaginian right flank the Equites circled round their left. The Carthaginian lines broke formation and the battle degenerated into a series of smaller engagements.
Quintus led his men in support of a group of Hastati, the weight of the charge carried Quintus deep into the enemies lines. He lashed out left and right felling a Carthaginian with each blow but they swarmed around him. One spear point came in low and pierced his steeds flank, the shock made the noble creature rear in pain and Quintus was unable to hold on. He quickly found his feet and stabbed out catching a foe in the throat with the tip of his sword. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a spear tip aimed for his head he lurched back and saw the sharp point stab in front of his eyes, now off balance he was easy prey and he saw another spear point stabbing at him, he stared strait at it determined to face death with no fear. But death did not come, an old Centurion called Nero had seen Quintus’s plight and with a feet of strength rarely seen he had forced his way to his Generals side. Back to back the two now fought surrounded within the enemy formation.
The death of their General had shattered the Carthaginians believe and now assailed from all sides their morale broke. The battle was over and the massacre began.
Julianus Scipio was relieved. His son had returned this morning reporting that the enemy force had been wiped out to a man and now he read letter Quintus had sent him. The enemy had been annihilated. Roman loses were 10 Heavy Cavalry, 30 Velites, 20 Hastati and 20 Equites. A further 20 Samnites, 10 Greek Peltasts and 10 Numidians had also fallen. Remarkably light casualties indeed. Quintus surely was one of the greatest generals in the known world and beyond.
Admiral Tertius saw the enemy’s sails over the horizon well this is it he thought. With little time to get his ships sails hoisted ready to flee it was time to fight.
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