THE BATTLE OF TUNIS
255BC
SUMMARY
After a series of victories in Sicily, Rome began a campaign to attack Carthage directly. Carthage raised a large mercenary force in response, and successfully repelled the Romans from Africa.
BACKGROUND
Rome had invaded Africa the previous year, and Carthage itself was under threat. Carthage quickly raised a powerful mercenary army, including elephants and cavalry, under the command of the Spartan general Xanthippus, to face the encroaching legions.
LOCATION
Tunis, Tunisia
THE ROMANS
15,000 infantry and 500 cavalry
THE CARTHAGINIANS
12,000 infantry, 4,000 cavalry and 100 elephants.
BATTLE
Xanthippus opened the battle with an attack from his elephants, breaking up the Roman infantry. With a massive numerical advantage, the Carthaginian cavalry quickly defeated their Roman counterparts and turned to charge the Roman infantry, who were quickly broken.
RESULT
Decisive Carthaginian Victory
CONSEQUENCE
The end of the Roman invasion of Africa.
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