First Punic War. Rome finally won the long war with a naval victory at the Aegates Islands in 241. In the Peace of Lutatius that ended the war Carthage lost Sicily and had to pay an enormous indemnity, but retained control of Sardinia and Corsica.

The Rape of Sardinia The end of the First Punic War brought no relief to Carthage. Hard on the heels of this war came the revolt of the mercenaries, the Truceless War, 240-238 (featured in C3i Nr. 7). While this brutal war raged in Africa, the contagion of rebellion spread to Carthage's mercenary garrison on Sardinia in 239. These soldiers of fortune rose up, and slew their Carthaginian commander Bostar and his officers. In response, Carthage sent an expedition under (another) Hanno to punish the rebels, but his troops deserted and joined the mutineers. The rebels crucified Hanno, then ran rampant over the island, slaying all the Carthaginian settlers. Once the Rome Threatens Sardinia against Corsica and Sardinia .He had euphoria of the initial uprising had in the First Punic War some success against the garrisons, worn off, these mercenaries began to 'The First Punic War began in 264 as a before being driven off by a reinforc - dread retribution from Carthage. So contest between Rome, Syracuse and ing fleet Under H annibal, son of they sent an offer to Rome to surren- Carthage for control of eastern Sicily. Gisgo. In the following year, the der Sardinia to them. Rome defeated Syracuse early on, consul Gaius Sulpicious Palerculus and the war expanded as a clash campaigned with a Roman fleet in The Roman Senate refused the offer. between the Carthaginian and Roman Sardinian waters, defeating Hannibal The senators decided to honor the empires. However, as long as Rome and capturing or destroying all his terms of the Peace of Lutatius, which lacked a fleet, she could threaten only ships. Hannibal was crucified by his expressly forbid taking as an ally any Sicily. Sardinia, and Africa, were safe own officers for his repeated failures. ally of the other power. Meanwhile, behind the patrols of the Another Punic Fleet under Hanno on Sardinia the mutinous mercenaries Carthaginian navy. Punic raids were arrived to restore the situation, and turned on the local populace. Their launched from Sardinia against the the Romans departed. Italian coast, while the Punic navy depredations at length drove the native tribes to rise up and attack brought support to beleaguered cities As the long war dragged on, Roman them. The mercenaries were expelled on the Sicilian coast. Within the interest in Sardinia waned. The from the island in 238, and Sardinia Roman Senate, the realization came immediate objective of ending naval was briefly independent. Carthage, that this war could never be won raids on Italy had been accomplished. as soon as the rebel mercenaries in unless Carthage was challenged at Rome turned to a more direct Africa had been suppressed, began sea. So, in 260 Rome built her first strategy of invading Africa. When preparing an expedition to battle fleet, and with ingenious this effort was foiled by disaster on re-conquer the island. boarding ramps (the corvus) defeated land (the Battle of the Bagradas the Punic navy at Mvlae. featured in SPQR) and sea (256-55), In Rome, however, there was a Rome reverted to a strategy of change of heart. The senate reversed In 259 the consul Lucius Cornelius attrition on Sicily. Sardinia was itself and proclaimed the annexation Scipio led the first Roman expedition never again threatened during the of Sardinia and Corsica, in flagrant Finding the administration of Punic War Sardinia was a province disregard of the Treaty of Lutatius. overseas provinces a burden on the barely pacified. A generation of When Carthage complained, Rome limited officers of the Roman govern- Roman commanders and legionnaires threatened war and increased the ment, the number of praetors was had their chief battle experience from indemnity Carthage had to pay to expanded from two to four in 227. campaigns on this island. keep the peace. This aggression The first praetor of Sardinia in that became known as the Rape of Sardinia. year was Gains Flaminius, destined The Second Punic War Rome may have gained a valuable to meet his end at Hannibal's hands Sardinia did not figure prominently province, but she also earned the by Lake Trasimene. In 225 the consul in the opening campaigns of the undying hatred of Hamilcar Barca Gaius Atilius Regulus was dispatched Second Punic War. The island was and his sons (Hannibal, Hasdrubal with his arm' to quell another held for Rome only by a garrison of and Mago), a matter of no small uprising on Sardinia. His colleague, allied troops, probably no more than consequence. Lucius Anielius Papus remained in 5,000 men. Hannibal's surprise Italy to guard against an expected crossing of the Alps, and his first The Roman Province Celtic invasion. Atilius Regulus major victory at Trebbia, convinced Victory in the First Punic War suppressed the Sardinian revolt and the Romans that this war would be brought Rome her first two overseas returned to Italy in tine to take part neither easy nor short. The Roman provinces, Sicily and Sardinia. The in the Battle of Telamon (featured in senators knew that Carthage would highly civilized island of Sicily C3i Nr. 6). On the eve of the Second attempt to regain Sardinia at the first became a profitable and peaceful opportunity. Therefore, early in 217 possession. Wild, untamed Sardinia the praetor Aulus Cornelius was another story. Carthage had Mammula was sent to reinforce the never conquered the entire island, island's garrison with Legion V, a content with coastal enclaves and full-strength double legion with some diplomatic, commercial and cultural 1),000 foot and 800 horse. Cornelius domination of the island. Roman Mammula maintained a tenuous ways were different. A series of control of Sardinia over the next two expeditions were sent to the island to years, as Hannibal's continuing string pacify it completely. Both consuls of victories over Rome excited the fought on the island in 238, and after anti-Roman passions of the native a brief interlude consular armies were tribes. The praetor had to exact ever dispatched every year for five years, increasing taxes and tribute from his from 235 -231. The first of these province to support the war, which expeditions was led by the consul contributed greatly to the rising Titus Manlius Torquatus, of whom discontent. more will be heard anon. The council in Carthage also took more direct action to break Sardinia away from Rome's grasp. A general, legions completely destroyed so far in Carthaginian horse. There was also Hanno, infiltrated onto the island as the war. The senate had reluctantly available a force of 13,850 Iberian an agent provocateur, to foment concluded in early 216 that no infantry and 1,200 cavalry from the rebellion. Hanno soon made conl additional forces could be raised, and Thersitae, Mastiani, Oretes and 111011 cause with Hallipsicora, tile that the Litani ambush must go un - Olcades tribes. ']'his unit had been leading Sardinian chieftain, to avenged for now. It was in this posted to Africa in 218 by Hannibal, prepare a massive island -wide situation that Cornelius Mammula in keeping with his policy of defend- insurrection. Cornelius Mammlula, made his plea for reinforcements. ing Spain with African troops and however, was a wary and circum - Despite their many difficulties, the Africa with Iberians. Probably about spect govern or. Even after the Battle senate ordered a levy to be raised. six thousand of these Iberian foot, of Cannae, when much of southern Somehow, the urban praetor, Quintus with supporting cavalry were Italy rebelled, Hanno and Fulvius Flaccus, managed to scrape assigned to the Sardinia bound army. Hampsicora bided their time. They up a reinforced Roman legion, the This Iberian contingent was by now awaited a more favorable moment to XIV. Its strength was 5,000 foot and well drilled, after three years of raise the cry of 'freedom from Rome!'. 400 horse. It was most likely com garrison duty in Africa. posed of teen-agers, old men and The opportunity they sought came those earlier rejected as unfit for The Commanders soon enough. At the end of 216, the service. But Legion XIV would have So both Carthage and Rome prepared propraetor Cornelius Mammula was to do. expeditions for Sardinia in the spring recalled to Rome, pending the arrival of 215. But these armies needed of his successor. The praetor Quintus Hanno's message met an entirely commanders, and this posed a Mucius Scaevola arrived early in 215, different response in Carthage, The problem for both empires. The and immediately came down with a way had been paved by Mago Barca's Roman Senate habitually turned to serious, incapacitating illness. mission to the council following experienced consulares (former Cannae in the autumn of 216. Mago consuls) to lead her armies in Cornelius Mammula, alarmed by the had poured a bushel basket of gold emergencies of this nature, however, turn of events, hurried back to Rome rings cut from the fingers of dead few were available. Fives consulares to make his report. Leaderless, the Roman nobles and knights onto the had already been slain in the first Roman garrison was unable to react council chamber floor. Mago's three years of this war: Gaius as Hanno and Hampsicora now request for 20,000 infantry and 4,000 Flaminius (Trasimene); Lucius unleashed the long simmering cavalry was readily approved. When Aemilius Paullus, Marcus Minucius rebellion. The insurrection quickly Hanno s emergency dispatch arrived, and Gnaeus Servilius Geminus spread across the island. Legion V Mago Barca was on the point of (Cannae); and Lucius Postumius hunkered down in its bases and sailing for Italy with the first contin- Albinus (Litani). Tiberias waited. gent of this levy, 12,000 foot, 1,500 Sempronius Longus (Trebbia) and horse and 20 elephants. Arriving at Gains Terentius Varro (Cannae) were Hanno and Cornelius nearly the same time as Hanno's plea in disgrace. Quintus Fabius Maximus Plea for to re-conquer Sardinia came news of and Tiberias Sempronius Gracchus as Reinforcement HasdrubaI Barca's disastrous defeat consuls, and Marcus Claudius The opposing generals, Hanno and at Dertosa in Spain (featured in C3i Marcellus as proconsul faced Cornelius Mammula, both hurried to Nr. 4). The council was forced to Hannibal, while Gnaeus and Publics get urgent pleas for reinforcing allocate resources amongst three Cornelius Scipio were in distant expeditions to their home govern - competing theaters - Italy, Spain and Spain. There were few tried ments. Cornelius Mammula reported Sardinia. The councilors' decision leaders left. The praetor Fulvius in person to the senate on the revealed their strategic priorities. Flaccus, charged with designating a impending revolt and the incapacita- Mago and his army were diverted to temporary commander for Sardinia, tion of Mucius Scaevola. Rome, protect Spain. A mere 4,000 cavalry chose Titus Manlius Torquatus. unfortunately, had just about scraped and 40 elephants were sent with the bottom of her manpower barrel. Bomilcar and the home fleet to Manlius was one of the elder states After Cannae in the fall of 216, Rome reinforce Hannibal in Italy. (It was man of Rome, a stern, harsh man had barely managed to conscript one the only reinforcement lie ever known for his conservative, tradi- new consular army of two legions. received.) A new army of 12,000 tional views. His intransigence Additional armies were formed from infantry, 1,500 cavalry and 20 played a key role in the rejection of the survivors of Cannae and a force a elephants was prepared for an Hannibal's offer to ransom the 8,000 slave and convict volunteers, the expedition to Sardinia. Roman prisoners taken at Cannae, volones. Then another disaster befell condemning these men to a life of Rome in the winter of 216-215. The The expeditionary army was prob- slavery. He was probably already praetorian artily of two legion, in ably formed of a core of sonic six over 60 years of age, and like Cisalpine Gaul leas ambushed and thousand solid Libyan spearmen, Marcellus, he had probably served as annihilated in the Litani forest by supported by over 1,000 superb a junior officer against Hamilcar Celtic tribes, instigated by Hannibal. Numidian light cavalry and heavy Barca in Sicily.His first consulship This brought to ten the number of had been served in Sardinia in 235. and besiege the leaderless Roman original garrison allied troops to his His second consulship had been in troops in their bases. But fate took a green Roman Legion XIV to form a 224, leading a punitive expedition hand. When in the open sea between second double legion. This gave him against the Celts after the invasion of Carthage and Sardinia, Hasdrubal's a full consular army of about 18,000 Telamon. 'tradition dictated that no fleet was caught by a savage storm infantry, but with only 1,200 cavalry. man serve more than two consul and hurled some 300 miles west onto Manlius was not satisfied. To swell ships. Even though Fabius, Marcellus the Balearic Islands. Loss of life was his ranks, he grounded his fleet and and others ignored this provision and not severe, but Hasdrubal found he pressed the marines and rowers into served multiple consulships during had to repair many of his ships before service as infantry. The crews of 40 the Second Punic War, Manlius continuing the journey. Hasdrubal quinqueremes would provide over would have none of it. Later, in 210, took advantage of this unexpected 1,500 marines and 8,000 rowers. after the leading century had elected diversion to reinforce his army with a Manlius formed the marines into him, he forced them to annul the vote strong body of the renowned Balearic cohorts, and selected some 2,500 of and begin anew. Again in 207 lie slingers. the most capable rowers to serve as would refuse to stand for the consul lightly armed velites. This added ship when it was offered. But in this While the Carthaginians cooled their 4,000 men to his army, bringing his case he agreed to serve temporarily heels in the Balearics, Manlius set out force up to 22,000 foot and 1,200 as the deputy of the stricken praetor with his 5,400 men escorted by some horse. Mucius, probably as a propraetor. 40 quinqueremes. The Roman Manlius would return to Sardinia a voyage to Sardinia was uneventful, Manlius undoubtedly would have full two decades since hi, first and Manlius put in at the provincial appreciated some time to drill his command on the island. capitol, Caralis (modern Cagliari). force and develop more cohesion The Romans had won the race, with a amongst his V and XIV Legions, Carthage had as yet lost no senior helping hand from Neptune. But garrison troops and naval infantry, commanders in this war. Neverthe- Manlius still faced a serious situation, but there was no time to spare. less, Carthage was also short of with the island in full revolt and the Manlius had to suppress the experienced generals. The veteran garrison disheartened and demoral- Sardinian rebellion, before the commanders of the Iberian conquest ized. Manlius took command of rumored Carthaginian expedition had all accompanied Hannibal. Mucius' Legion V and added the Hasdrubal, his chief of staff, Hanno, son of Bomilcar, Maharbal, Mago Saunites, Hamilcar and Carthalo were all with the army in Italy. Hasdrubal Barca, his deputy Himilco and his brother Mago were engaged in Spain. With the best commanders already committed, the council in Carthage selected Hasdrubal the Bald to lead the Sardinian expedition. He does not seem to have been a veteran of the Iberian campaigns, but Hasdrubal may have campaigned against the tribes on Carthage's African frontier. The council as signed Hasdrubal a deputy com- mander, Mago. This general was said to be a close relative of Hannibal, probably a cousin. Hasdrubal could also rely on the support of the general Hanno, already in Sardinia.

The Race is On Carthaginian and Roman expeditions were both prepared for Sardinia in the spring of 215. The question was, which would arrive first? Hasdrubal set out first from Carthage, his army of 13,500 escorted by 60 quinqueremes. If he could arrive first, he could join the rebel Sardinian army to his own arrived. So Manlius led his disjointed army out of Caralis, seeking the main rebel concentration. As fate would lave it, when Manlius came upon the rain rebel host, Hampsicora was away, recruiting amongst the Goatskin tribes of the mountains. He had left his son Hostus in command of the army, which may have numbered 15,000 men. Hostus was young and reckless and immediately attacked the larger Roman army when it approached. Manlius predictably routed the rebel army. Its losses were only 3,000 killed and 800 taken prisoner, indicating that most of the rebels fled before the fighting got too hot.

Hasdrubal and Company Arrive Hampsicora established a new base at Cornus with his Goatskin light infantry and began collecting the scattered remnants of his army. Manlius, as soon as lie learned of Hampsicora's location, advanced on Cornus to finish off the insurrection. The war in Sardinia would have been over, but just then word came that a Carthaginian fleet had landed on the Western coast. Hasdrubal the Bald quickly disembarked his force of over 14,000 men, then dismissed his fleet. Manlius chose a cautious course, abandoned the field and withdrew back to his base at Caralis. Hasdrubal joined with Hampsicora, who by now had rallied an army of over 12,000 Sardinian tribesmen to reinforce the Carthaginian expedi- tion. The combined armies now numbered nearly 27,000 men.

Manlius' hasty retreat seems a hit premature in retrospect. A more aggressive commander could have held the field and possibly prevented the juncture of Hasdrubal and Hampsicora. Manlius, however, was not chosen for his aggressiveness. It was his steady, cautious nature that the Roman senate counted on. Manlius knew well that ten Roman legions had already been lost in this war. He wasn't about to lose two more. A younger noble, in his first praetorship or consulship, might have felt compelled to risk battle to establish his reputation. Manlius already had his share of glory, and could freely put the interest of Rome Aftermath ahead of his own. Besides, the Punic The war for Sardinia was over. The superiority in cavalry meant that he remnants of Hasdrubal's army were could have had little intelligence on hunted down. The captured merce- the size or intentions of Hasdrubal's naries may well have been taken into army. The prudent course was to fall Roman service, as happened later in back on his secure base, develop the Sicily. Manlius, when the campaign situation, and engage in battle only was complete, gathered up his sailors under clearer, safer circumstances. and re-manned his fleet. The wizened Manlius then laid down his Hasdrubal, with an army slightly command in Sardinia, and sailed larger than the Roman force, followed hack to Rome. The senate kept a full Manlius, looting and pillaging the consular army of two legions in villages of any pro-Roman tribes Sardinia for most of the remainder of along the way. Manlius fell back all the war, to guard against the threat the way to Caralis, gradually piecing from Carthage. In the event, together a clearer picture of the Carthage never mounted another invading army he faced. Though the attack on this island province. force was large, a great portion of its strength was from the often beaten The failure of Hasdrubal the Bald's irregular Sardinians. Hasdrubal's expedition was one of a number of hard core of professional mercenaries disappointments that ruined the only was much smaller than the Roman chance Carthage had to win the war, army. In any case, Manlius could not during the campaign of 215. First allow the pillage of Rome's loyal Hasdrubal Barca had been defeated subjects to continue indefinitely. at Dertosa, then Hasdrubal the Bald Manlius took the field just outside, The battle was hotly contested, the lost this battle in Sardinia and finally Caralis. Hasdrubal accepted the fighting reportedly lasting four the ambassadors negotiating the challenge of battle with no reluctance. hours. The Carthaginian wing was treaty between Hannibal and King having the best of it on its side, while Philip V were captured by Roman The Battle of Caralis the Romans gradually gained the naval patrols, delaying the Unfortunately, Livy's account of the upper hand over Hampsicora's Macedonian entry into the war for a battle (Book XXIII, Chapter 40) is levies. Finally, the Sardinians were whole year. The momentum of typically vague and muddled, but it routed. The Roman legion which victory, painstakingly generated at is the only one we have. Hasdrubal overpowered the Sardinians next Trebia, Trasimene and Cannae, was had about 25,000 foot, 2,000 horse swung around to fall on the flank and squandered on the fields of Dertosa and 20 elephants. Some 2,000 of his rear of the Carthaginian wing. The and Caralis. infantry would have been left behind African and Iberian mercenaries were to guard his camp. Manlius had trapped and practically annihilated. Notes on the Scenario 22,000 infantry and 1,200 cavalry, and The Romans counted 12,000 slain on Legions probably didn't have would have detailed a camp guard of the battlefield, and took 3,700 permanent numbers at this time, so similar size. All we know for sure prisoners. the designations V and XIV are not about the deployment is that historical, but rather chosen to match Hasdrubal the Bald deployed his Hostus had died fighting. His father, the units in the SPQR counter-mix. army in two wings - the Carthaginian Hampsicora, fled with a few horse The deployment for both armies is expeditionary force on one side and men. When he learned of the only an educated guess, and players the Sardinian levies on the other. This magnitude of the defeat, and the may Wish to use free deployment. If would have been similar to death of his son, Hampsicora fell on using this option, allow the Roman Hasdrubal Barca's later deployment his sword that night. Hasdrubal, player to select the map and deploy at the Battle of the Metaurus. Like his Mago and Hanno were all captured first. The Carthaginian player may namesake, the bald Hasdrubal may alive, an unusual occurrence perhaps observe the Roman dispositions and have tried to reinforce his weaker brought about by the envelopment of then deploy his forces, the advantage (Sardinian) wing with a secure flank, the Carthaginian wing. Captivity of a superior mounted force. defensible terrain and his elephants. was surely a cruel fate, but certainly Manlius most likely deployed his better than the crucifixion that army in standard formation- two awaited so many ear lier unsuccessful Roman legions in the center, with Carthaginian commanders in Italian allies and the marine s and Sardinia. rowers on the flanks.