Battle of the Crimissus
Encyclopedia
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.
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.
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.
Carthage
Carthage , implying it was a 'new Tyre') is a major urban centre that has existed for nearly 3,000 years on the Gulf of Tunis, developing from a Phoenician colony of the 1st millennium BC...
army under Asdrubal and Hamilcar sent against Syracuse
Syracuse, Italy
Syracuse is a historic city in Sicily, the capital of the province of Syracuse. The city is notable for its rich Greek history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture, and as the birthplace of the preeminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes. This 2,700-year-old city played a key role in...
. The forces of Syracuse led by Timoleon
Timoleon
Timoleon , son of Timodemus, of Corinth was a Greek statesman and general.As the champion of Greece against Carthage he is closely connected with the history of Sicily, especially Syracuse.-Early life:...
were victorious.
Background
Soon after Timoleon had ejected Dionysius IIDionysius II of Syracuse
Dionysius the Younger or Dionysius II ruled Syracuse, Sicily from 367 BC to 357 BC and again from 346 BC to 344 BC....
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.
The battle
According to Plutarch, the Carthaginian force numbered 70,000 and included many four horsed war chariots and TimoleonTimoleon
Timoleon , son of Timodemus, of Corinth was a Greek statesman and general.As the champion of Greece against Carthage he is closely connected with the history of Sicily, especially Syracuse.-Early life:...
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
Sacred Band of Carthage
The Sacred Band of Carthage is the name used by Greek historians to refer to an infantry unit of Carthaginian foot citizens that served in Carthaginian armies during the fourth century BC...
fought bravely and, according to accounts, to the last man.
The Carthaginians were defeated and Timolean captured their baggage camp.