Rome's victory at Adys enabled the capture of Tunis and brought Carthage close to seeking peace during the First Punic War.
Key Facts
- Date
- Late 256 BC
- Roman force size
- 15,500 men
- Distance Tunis from Carthage
- 16 km (10 mi)
- Roman commander
- Marcus Atilius Regulus
- Carthaginian commanders
- Bostar, Hamilcar, and Hasdrubal
- War context
- First Punic War
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Rome's new navy had established naval superiority earlier in 256 BC, enabling an invasion of the Carthaginian homeland in North Africa. The Roman fleet landed on the Cape Bon Peninsula, conducted a successful campaign, then returned to Sicily, leaving Regulus with about 15,500 men to hold the African lodgement over winter. Rather than maintaining his position, Regulus advanced toward Carthage.
The Carthaginian army took up a fortified position on a rocky hill near Adys (modern Uthina). Regulus ordered a night march to launch simultaneous dawn assaults on the hilltop camp. One Roman column was repulsed and pursued down the slope, but the other column then struck the pursuing Carthaginians in the rear, routing them. This caused the remaining Carthaginian troops in the camp to panic and flee.
Following their defeat, the Carthaginians abandoned the field and the Romans advanced to capture Tunis, just 16 kilometres from Carthage. Carthage sued for peace, but rejected the harsh terms Regulus offered and resolved to continue fighting. Within months, at the battle of the Bagradas River, Regulus was defeated and his army nearly destroyed. The war continued for another 14 years.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Marcus Atilius Regulus.
Side B
1 belligerent
Bostar, Hamilcar, Hasdrubal.