Hanno, son of Bomilcar

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Hanno, son of Bomilcar was a Carthaginian officer in the Second Punic War. When Hannibal's army reached the Western bank of the Rhône River they began preparations to cross. A group of Gauls gathered on the Eastern bank intent on preventing the army from crossing. Hanno led a small group North to cross. The group crossed in small rafts they built. Once across they headed south toward the Gauls. Hanno sent a smoke signal to inform Hannibal that Hanno's force was ready. Hannibal began to send his cavalry across in canoes. As the cavalry attained a foothold on the Eastern bank the Gauls approached ready to fight. At this point Hanno's force attacked the Gauls' rear causing enough confusion to force the Gauls to retreat.

At the Battle of Cannae Hanno led the Numidian cavalry on the right (northern) side of the Carthaginian army. Hasdrubal led the Spanish and Celtic cavalry on the left (south near the Aufidus river) of the Carthaginian army. Hasdrubal was given about 6,500 cavalry as opposed to Hanno's 3,500 Numidians. Hasdrubal's force was able to quickly destroy the Roman cavalry (on the south), pass the Roman's infantry rear, and reach the Roman allied cavalry while they where engaged with Hanno's Numidians. Once the Roman's allied cavalry was destroyed Hanno and Hasdrubal were able to lead both cavalries into the Roman infantry's rear.

[edit] References

• Lazenby, J.F. Hannibal's War, London, 1978.

Notable Carthaginians

Ad Herbal • Saint Aurelius • Carthalo • Dido • Hamilcar (Drepanum) • Hamilcar Barca • Hannibal Barca • Hannibal Gisco • Hannibal Monomachus • Hannibal the Rhodian • Hanno the Elder • Hanno the Great • Hanno the Navigator • Hanno, son of Bomilcar • Hasdrubal Barca • Hasdrubal Gisco • Hasdrubal the Fair • Hasdrubal, commander of the service corps • Himilco the Navigator • Mago (agricultural writer) • Mago Barca • Maharbal • Saints Perpetua and Felicitas • Sophonisba