Mercenary War Battles > Battle of "The Saw"

Battle of "The Saw"

Summary

The Battle of "The Saw" was a major conflict of the Mercenary War that occurred between the Carthaginians and their former mercenary allies during the First Punic War. The name for the battle is derived from the box-like canyon that most of the fighting occurred in. During the previous Battle of Carthage in 238 BC the supply lines of the mercenaries that were besieging Carthage were broken by Hamilcar Barca which forced them to withdraw.

However, as they were retreating the mercenaries realized they had superior numbers over Hamilcar's forces and attempted to engage them in open combat. Hamilcar however, managed to outmaneuver the mercenaries and avoid any direct open conflict with them. Soon he managed to lure the mercenary army near the canyon and quickly ambushed them.

The startled mercenaries fled into the canyon and became trapped. Hamilcar initiated a siege on the canyon and simply waited while the mercenaries starved to death. According to the Greek historian Polybius thousands of the mercenaries starved to death and others even resorted to cannibalism. Knowing their situation was dire the mercenary leaders Spendius, Autaritus, and Zarzas attempted to arrange a surrender with Hamilcar.

However, the Carthaginian general was to have nothing of it and he imprisoned them. After having their leaders captured and left with no other options the weakened mercenaries attempted to fight the Carthaginians but were cut down in short order. In the savage aftermath Hamilcar ordered the immediate execution of the remaining 40,000 mercenaries, probably as an act of retribution and revenge for the 700 Carthaginian prisoners that Spendius had tortured and executed previously.

Background

The Battle of "The Saw," also known as the Battle of the Saw, was a significant engagement during the Mercenary War (241-237 BCE). This conflict arose when Carthaginian mercenaries, dissatisfied with their unpaid wages following the First Punic War, revolted against Carthage. The battle took place in 240 BCE in the mountainous terrain of Tunisia, characterized by jagged ridges that gave the battle its name.

Background

• Mercenary War: After the First Punic War, Carthage faced financial difficulties and could not pay its mercenary soldiers. The mercenaries, led by Spendius and Matho, rebelled, supported by local African tribes.
• Hamilcar Barca: Carthage appointed Hamilcar Barca, a skilled and experienced general, to suppress the rebellion and restore order.

Strategic Importance

• Location: The battle occurred in a rugged, mountainous area in Tunisia, known for its saw-like ridges. This challenging terrain played a crucial role in the battle's outcome.
• Rebel Stronghold: The rebels had established strong positions in this region, making it a strategic location for controlling the surrounding area.

Prelude to the Battle

• Rebel Movements: The rebels, confident in their stronghold, were preparing to confront the Carthaginian forces.
• Hamilcar's Strategy: Hamilcar Barca, aware of the terrain and the strengths of his opponents, devised a plan to lure the rebels into a trap. He aimed to use the difficult terrain to his advantage.

The Battle

1. Initial Engagements: Hamilcar's forces engaged in minor skirmishes, drawing the rebels deeper into the rugged terrain. The Carthaginian troops feigned retreats to entice the rebels to follow them.
2. Ambush: As the rebels advanced into the narrow, jagged ridges, Hamilcar sprung his trap. The Carthaginian forces launched a coordinated ambush from multiple directions, using the terrain to encircle and surprise the rebel forces.
3. Navaras' Defection: A key turning point in the battle was the defection of Navaras, a Numidian prince, who brought with him a contingent of 2,000 cavalry. This unexpected reinforcement bolstered Hamilcar's forces significantly and demoralized the rebels.

Key Events

• Encirclement: The Carthaginian forces, now strengthened by Navaras' cavalry, tightened their encirclement of the rebel troops. The rugged terrain made it difficult for the rebels to maneuver and escape.
• Close-Quarter Combat: The battle turned into intense close-quarter combat, with the Carthaginian forces using their tactical advantage and superior positioning to inflict heavy casualties on the rebels.
• Rebel Disarray: The rebels, caught off guard and surrounded, began to fall into disarray. Their cohesion broke down as they faced relentless attacks from all sides.

Outcome

• Decisive Carthaginian Victory: Hamilcar Barca achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of "The Saw." The rebel forces were nearly annihilated, suffering significant losses in both men and morale.
• Strategic Gain: This victory allowed Carthage to regain control over a crucial region and significantly weakened the overall rebel movement.
• Navaras' Loyalty: Following his defection and crucial role in the battle, Navaras remained a loyal ally to Hamilcar and Carthage, contributing to further successes in the Mercenary War.

Significance

• Turning Point: The Battle of "The Saw" marked a turning point in the Mercenary War, demonstrating Hamilcar's tactical brilliance and the effectiveness of his leadership.
• Psychological Impact: The crushing defeat demoralized the remaining rebel forces and undermined their ability to continue the revolt.
• Hamilcar's Reputation: The victory cemented Hamilcar Barca's reputation as a formidable military commander and strategist, setting the stage for his continued efforts to suppress the rebellion and secure Carthage's dominance.

The Battle of "The Saw" was a testament to the importance of terrain, strategy, and leadership in warfare. It played a crucial role in the eventual Carthaginian victory in the Mercenary War.

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Bibliography

Primary Sources

Polybius, Histories, Book I, 84-85.

Secondary Sources