Battle during the Second Punic War between the forces of the Roman Republic under Publius Cornelius Scipio and Carthage's main ally, Syphax
Syphax's defeat and capture ended Carthage's key Numidian alliance, enabling Roman control of North Africa ahead of Zama.
Key Facts
- Date
- 203 BC
- Conflict
- Second Punic War (218–201 BC)
- Syphax's force
- Masaesyli Numidians
- Roman legate
- Gaius Laelius
- Outcome
- Syphax captured; Cirta surrendered
- Aftermath
- Masinissa crowned king of all Numidia
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After Scipio's invasion of North Africa in 204 BC, Syphax allied with Carthage against Rome. Following defeats at Utica and the Great Plains, Syphax fled to his capital Cirta and hastily recruited a new army, while Masinissa and the Roman legate Laelius gave pursuit.
East of Cirta, Masinissa's Massylii Numidians and Roman infantry under Laelius engaged Syphax's reconstituted Masaesyli army. Syphax's forces initially gained ground, but as Roman infantry reinforced the line, the Masaesyli broke and fled. Syphax himself was captured during the rout.
With Syphax paraded in chains before the walls, Cirta surrendered without further resistance. Masinissa was installed as king of a unified Numidia. The following year, Scipio defeated Hannibal at Zama, effectively concluding the Second Punic War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Masinissa, Gaius Laelius.
Side B
1 belligerent
Syphax.