Battle of the Crimissus

The Battle of the Crimissus was probably fought in 340 BCE between a large Carthaginian army under Asdrubal and Hamilcar sent against Syracuse. The forces of Syracuse led by Timoleon were victorious.

Background

Soon after Timoleon had ejected Dionysius II from Syracuse a large Carthaginian army landed in Sicily. Timoleon decided to respond by advancing into Carthaginian territory to avoid Greek territory being plundered by the Carthaginian forces.^[1]

The battle

According to Plutarch, the Carthaginian force numbered 70,000 and included many four horsed war chariots and Timoleon commanded only 5000 foot and a 1000 cavalry against them. Others put his forces somewhat larger at 12,000. Timoleon was able to catch the Carthaginians as they were crossing the river Crimissus, first sending his cavalry against them to disorder them and to prevent the Carthaginians forming a proper line. When the Greek infantry attacked a storm broke out and as the wind was blowing into the faces of the Carthaginians it became even more difficult for them to fight. The crack Carthaginian citizen Sacred Band fought bravely and, according to accounts, to the last man.

The Carthaginians were defeated and Timolean captured their baggage camp.

References