Legio XVII: Battle of Zama (11 page)

Scipio was in constant motion as he drove his staff towards the ultimate goal of invading Africa.  Nothing escaped his attention, and he entertained any idea that would further his aims.

At the end of February, he summoned Laelius.  “My good friend, I’ve got a mission for you I think you’re going to like.  I want to you to raid the African coast to prove we can do it, and cause the Carthaginian Senate to consider the consequences of a full-scale Roman invasion of their homeland.  They know it’s coming eventually.  If they are convinced that we can do this whenever we wish, they may recall Hannibal and end his occupation of Italy.  If nothing else, pillage the countryside and return with your ships full of loot.  Plan your raid and try to be underway by mid-March.  I will alert Masinissa of your arrival.  I understand that when Hasdrubal gave Sophonisba to Syphax, Masinissa switched sides and declared for Rome.  Talk to him to confirm that this is true, and find out what he can offer us in terms of troops and cavalry.”

On March 13th, Laelius launched 30 warships and a number of slower moving galleys from Messana, rather than Lilybaeum, which added considerable miles to his trip.  His destination was the Roman friendly coastal town of Hippo Regius (modern Annaba, Algeria), 185 miles (287km) west of Carthage.

On March 18th, Scipio’s two Legions had completed their training at Lilybaeum and arrived back at Messana.  Scipio’s Army now consisted of four over-strength Legions: 25,000 to 27,000 infantrymen and about 2,500 cavalry.  His staff developed an intensive training program to teach the troops the new techniques Scipio had developed in his 13 years of fighting Carthage.  For the rest of 205 and into 204 BC, the Legionaries and cavalry marched, maneuvered, and perfected their fighting skills under the close supervision of Scipio.

Laelius’ fleet stopped several times along the northern coast of Sicily, and finally struck out across the open sea for Hippo Regius, 270 miles (437km) away.  The frequent stops along the northern Sicilian coast, and the rough weather made for a long and difficult trip.  It took the ships five days to reach Hippo, and they landed at night.  The next morning, his men immediately began a systematic pillaging of the countryside for food, valuables, and weapons, but were careful not to harm Hippo Regius or its citizens.

Three days later, Masinissa rode into the Roman camp.  He was accompanied by 100 experienced and tough looking horsemen.

Laelius shook his head at the strangeness of war.  A few months earlier, the Consul was having a pleasant dinner with Syphax and Hasdrubal, the enemy Commander at Ilipa, who had been trying his best to kill Romans and Scipio himself.  And now, a year after the battle, he was about to meet the other enemy Commander at Ilipa and probably share a cup of wine with him.  In another sense, he wasn’t surprised at this turnabout.  The two principals engaged in this struggle would never commit treason by switching allegiance, but their allies would and often did for more money or personal reason, which was the case with Masinissa.  He had lost his betrothed Sophonisba and part of his kingdom to Syphax.  He was angry and wanted revenge.

The two men exchanged greetings and sat opposite each other sipping wine.  Ilipa was never mentioned.  Masinissa confirmed to Laelius that he and his entire Army of experienced infantrymen and cavalry would now fight for Rome.  “I have one condition,” declared Masinissa. “If we are successful, I want Roman troops to help me oust the usurper Syphax, who has invaded and now occupies the eastern part of my kingdom.  My goal is to remove him and restore my family to its rightful throne over east and west Numidia.  If I can reclaim my throne, I will be able to send you more cavalry and troops.”

Masinissa also told Laelius it was time for him to leave Africa.  “I’ve been told that a large fleet of Carthaginian warships is moving in this direction.”  Laelius recalled his troops and set a course back to Sicily.  His ships were full of loot.  He had made his point.  He returned to Sicily in late March 205.  Scipio was delighted with the news about Masinissa, and agreed to support him in the removal of Syphax.

“Laelius, if the invasion of Africa is to become a reality, we need to build more warships and troop transports.  I’ve selected next summer to sail to Africa, but it all depends on how fast the ships can be built.”

*******

Mago arrives in northern Italy

After three pleasant and restful months at Menorca, the ships’ Captains advised Mago that it was time to make the long 225 mile (362km) voyage to Sardinia.  The Navy estimated it would take five days and loaded provisions accordingly.  The possibility of engaging the Roman fleets that patrolled these waters was a constant threat as was the weather.  March was not the best month to sail this sea. The men reluctantly loaded onto the ships and prayed for calm waters and a safe passage.

On March 5, 205 BC, the ships weighed anchor and set a course for Sardinia.  The men’s prayers went unanswered; the waters were unsettled with strong winds and high waves. The troops and horses were sea sick, and the ships reeked of vomit.  The only good news was that the few Roman ships spotted in the distance were too few in number to challenge the Carthaginian warships.  Four miserable days later, the ships were beached on the west coast of Sardinia near the port of Oristano.  Men and horses were offloaded to recuperate for two days while the crews gathered provisions from the local inhabitants.  The Roman ships continued to shadow Mago’s fleet, but posed no threat to them.

Unbeknownst to Mago, a similar resupply mission was underway to Hannibal.  Such undertakings were extremely dangerous ever since the Roman Navy gained naval superiority over Carthage at the end of the first Punic War in 241 BC.  Additionally, two Carthaginian fleets were defeated in 208 and 207 BC.  Rome ruled the Mediterranean.

Calvi, Corsica lay 190 miles (310km) due north of Oristano, Sardinia.  Mago’s ships sailed on March 11 and beached every other day to take on water, food and provide much needed rest for the rowers.  Six days later, they arrived at Calvi on the northern coast of Corsica.  Mago called for a five day rest break.  Genoa lay 125 miles (205km) north across open water.  This close to Italy the threat of meeting Roman warships grew more likely.  The ship departed Calvi on March 22nd and arrived safely at Genoa on March 25th 205 BC.  Their arrival was a complete surprised to the people of Genoa.

Mago’s first order of business upon offloading his troops was to take control of the splendid harbor, and conduct a vicious punitive expedition against the local inhabitants for supporting Rome throughout the war.  People were slaughtered by the hundreds, and the town was burnt to the ground.  He then marched his Army 34 miles southwest to the coastal town of Savona and established his Headquarters. He kept 10 warships, and sent the rest back to Carthage to get the promised reinforcements.

His next priority was to increase the size of his Army to enable him to face the Romans who would surely send multiple Legions to oppose him.  He sent out recruiters among the Ligurians and Insubres promising them that a victory over the Legions would free them forever from Roman interference.  He promised that the conquered towns would provide loot and women.  The Gauls, who hated Rome, flocked to him.  They needed little coaxing.  Even though their supply of manpower had already been seriously depleted by years of war, they still pledged to supply about 7,000 men.  Mago knew he needed many more troops to challenge the Legions.

One evening, he called his staff together to talk about increasing the size of the Army.  “Carthage has promised us reinforcements, but we can’t count on that.  The Roman fleet may intercept them or a storm may sink the ships.  The Ligurians and Insubres can provide probably no more than 15,000 men.  We need many more.”

“I want to send recruiters to Scodra, Illyria (modern Shkoder, Albania) to see King Scerdilaidas.  He controls 20 tribes, including the Ardiaei and Albani, who fought with us at Cannae.  I also want to send men to talk to Chief Sirium at his oppida (fortified village) at Ptuj (modern northeast Slovenia) to recruit among the Taurisci.  They’ve been loyal allies, and have supplied many troops to Hannibal throughout his campaign.”

“From Ptuj, I want the recruiters to go to Posonium (modern Bratislava, Slovakia), and convince Chief Magimarus to give us troops from among his 16 tribes.  The Boii and Eravisci are especially good fighters.”  He turned to Salicar, his second-in-command and childhood friend, “Select six men of proven valor and resourcefulness to go to Scodra, Ptuj, and Posonium to hire mercenaries.  Send three men to Scodra across the Mare Hadriaticum (modern Adriatic Sea); the others can go by horseback.  I want at least 17,000 men from Illyria and 28,000 men from Ptuj and Posonium combined.  If we can get that many mercenaries, we will have an army of about 57,000 to 59,000 men not counting the reinforcements coming from Carthage.  With those numbers, we can defeat the Romans, join Hannibal, and this time, attack Rome itself.

*******

Once established at Savona, Mago invited the local Ingauni leaders to a meeting, and learned that their major complaint concerned the Epanterii tribesmen who lived in the mountainous area near the coast.  The problem was that the coastal Ingauni were subjected to frequent raids from these mountain people and with limited warriors were powerless to fight back.  Mago said, “In exchange for 8,000 of your men, I promise to help you defeat your enemy.”  The Ingauni agreed.  Three weeks later, Mago and his Ingauni allies launched a series of devastating attacks against the mountain people.  No one was spared, and the threat to the coastal Ingauni was removed.  Mago added another 8,000 men to his Army.  He now had between 27,000 and 29,000 men.

Recognizing the importance of adding to the Army, Salicar wasted no time selecting the six men to recruit among the Illyrians and the lands north.  He went to his veteran Carthaginian warriors who had been with the Army the longest.  He picked Mintho, Bostar, and Sirom to go to Illyria, and Haggith, Tendao, and Merbal to head north to Ptuj and Posonium.  He appointed Mintho to lead his two men and Haggith to command his group.

Salicar gathered the two groups to issue his guidance.  “This is not going to be an easy assignment.  You’re going to be traveling for several months in mostly unfamiliar territory.  You’ll be carrying money and be a target for every thief out there.  For your protection, I’ll assign 10 cavalrymen to each group, some of which speak the local languages.  The important thing is that you are Mago’s ambassadors to these people.  You have to sell the benefits of joining his Army.  Once you make contact with King Scerdilaidas and Chiefs Sirium and Magimarus, I want you to stay with their men to make sure they get to us.”

“Both groups will ride together to Venetiae (modern Venice).  That’s about 245 miles (395km) from here.  I suggest you head to Brixia (modern Brescia), then Verona, and Venetiae where you’ll separate.  As you pass through Brixia, talk to the Chief, a man named Segovesus.  Use your money to try to recruit two to three thousand men from his Cenomani tribe.  In the past, they’ve supported Rome, but maybe they can be persuaded to join us.”

“Mintho, I want you to hire boats at Venetiae to ferry you to Scodra.  It’ll be a long trip, about 425 miles (683km).  Mago wants no less than 17,000 Illyrians and more if you can negotiate for them.  If King Scerdilaidas agrees to provide the troops, march back here with them.  It’ll probably take the King several weeks to hire the men.  The distance back to Genoa is about 865 miles (1390km) and should take you about two months.  Overall, I’ll expect to see you back here in about four months, sometime in August 205 BC.”

“Haggith, from Venetiae, go to Ptuj and meet with the Taurisci leader, Sirium.  Try to recruit 10,000 troops.  Then go to Posonium and talk to their chief, Magimarus.  Mago wants him to give us 18,000 Boii and Eravisci warriors, but try to get 20,000.  I’ll expect you back in late July.”

Both groups departed two days later on April 2nd.

In late April 205, to Mago’s great surprise and joy, a large Carthaginian fleet of warships and transports appeared off the coast and landed at Genoa.  The expected reinforcements had arrived!  The ships delivered 6,000 infantry, 800 horses, seven elephants, and additional wooden boxes of silver Dishekels to pay for the mercenaries. Mago’s Army now totaled between 33,000 to 35,000 infantry, 2,000 cavalry, and seven elephants.  A courier sent by the Senate told Mago to attack Etruria as soon as possible to prevent Scipio from sailing to Africa. 

Mago summoned his leaders. “Carthage wants us to attack the Romans as soon as possible.  Yes, we have a sizable Army, but the Ingauni, Ligurians, and Insubres need considerably more training.  We are in no position to attack the Legions at Etruria.  The Gauls still require a great deal of work.  Once they’re individually trained, we then need to train the Army as a whole.  They’ll need to learn how to respond like an Army, move in harmony, and respond to signals.”

“I’m not worried that the Romans will attack us here.  I don’t think they want to risk a defeat. I’ve learned that four heavy Legions and three Auxiliary Legions are moving to Ariminum (modern Rimini) which is about 200 miles away on the east coast.  I estimate their strength at about 35,000 to 37,000 men.  I know the two Commanders: Proconsul Livius and Praetor Lucretius.  They’re capable and dangerous, but once our mercenaries arrive from Illyria, Ptuj, and Posonium, we should have a decided edge.  In the meantime, we need to train our men to operate like an army, and that will take some time.”