Mercenary War Battles > Mercenary War Timeline
Mercenary War Timeline
The Mercenary War was a brutal and challenging conflict for Carthage, but the decisive leadership of Hamilcar Barca and the strategic use of loyal allies ultimately secured Carthage's survival and control over its territories. Here's a timeline of the Mercenary War (also known as the Truceless War), which took place between 241 BCE and 237 BCE following the First Punic War:
Timeline of the Mercenary War
241 BCE
- End of the First Punic War: The First Punic War concludes with the signing of a peace treaty between Rome and Carthage. Carthage agrees to pay a large indemnity to Rome.
- Mercenaries Demand Payment: Carthaginian mercenaries, who had fought in the First Punic War, return to Carthage and demand their promised wages. Carthage struggles to pay due to its financial strain from the war indemnity.
240 BCE
- Outbreak of the Mercenary War: Unable to satisfy the payment demands, Carthage faces a mutiny. The mercenaries, led by Spendius and Matho, rebel against Carthage and are joined by local African tribes.
- Siege of Utica: The rebels lay siege to Utica, a city that remains loyal to Carthage.
- Battle of Utica: Hamilcar Barca, a prominent Carthaginian general, engages the rebels near Utica. Despite fierce fighting, the Carthaginians manage to lift the siege.
239 BCE
- Expansion of the Rebellion: The revolt spreads to other parts of Carthaginian territory, with key cities and regions joining the uprising.
- Battle of the Saw: Hamilcar Barca achieves a significant victory against the rebels at "The Saw" (also known as the Battle of the Saw), with the support of Navaras, a Numidian prince who defects to the Carthaginian side.
- Siege of Carthage: The rebels lay siege to Carthage itself, but the city remains well-defended.
238 BCE
- Negotiations and Betrayal: Carthage attempts to negotiate with the rebels, but the talks break down. The rebels capture and execute Gisco, a Carthaginian negotiator.
- Further Carthaginian Victories: Hamilcar and his fellow commander Hanno the Great continue to win battles against the rebels, gradually turning the tide in Carthage's favor.
237 BCE
- Battle of Leptis Parva: The final decisive battle of the Mercenary War occurs near Leptis Parva. Hamilcar Barca decisively defeats the rebel forces.
- End of the Rebellion: With their main armies destroyed, the remaining rebels are captured or surrender. Carthage reasserts control over its territories.
- Reprisals: Carthage harshly punishes the rebels and their supporters to ensure no future insurrections.
Aftermath
- Restoration of Order: Carthage restores order and stability in its territories, although the war leaves the region economically and socially strained.
- Hamilcar's Influence: Hamilcar Barca's successes elevate his status and influence within Carthage, setting the stage for his future military campaigns, including those involving his son, Hannibal Barca.
