Battle of the Bagradas River (239 BC)

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Battle of the Bagradas River
Part of Carthage's Mercenary War
Date 239 BC
Location Mouth of the Bagradas River
34°00′00″N, 32°00′00″E
Result Carthaginian victory
Belligerents
Carthage Rebel mercenaries
Commanders
Hamilcar Barca Spendius
Strength
10,000 militia,
500 cavalry,
70 elephants
25,000 infantry
Casualties and losses
500 killed 6,000 killed,
2,000 captured

The Battle of the Bagradas River was a battle in 239 BC between Hamilcar Barca of Carthage and the town of Utica. It marked Carthage's first major victory in the Mercenary War. For the battle fought in 255 BC during the First Punic War, see Battle of Tunis.

Barca was called out of retirement to replace the routed Hanno the Great, following his embarrassing defeat at Utica. Intent on retaking the town, Hamilcar began moving his troops across the beach where they were quickly surrounded by a horde of insurgents from the city, as well as professional soldiers from a nearby castle they were passing. Charging his war elephants around the insurgent horde, Hamilcar was able to reach a nearly undefended Utica where the Numidian Chief Naravas had remained.