The Battle of Leptis Parva ended the Mercenary War with a decisive Carthaginian victory, suppressing the large-scale mercenary and African revolt of 241–238 BC.
Key Facts
- Date
- 238 BC
- Carthaginian force size
- Over 30,000 soldiers
- Rebel force size
- Approximately 20,000 soldiers
- Distance rebels marched south
- 160 km (100 mi) from Carthage area
- Duration of manoeuvres before battle
- Three months
- War triggered by
- Mutiny of 20,000 Carthaginian mercenaries in 241 BC
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
In 241 BC, some 20,000 foreign mercenaries employed by Carthage during the First Punic War mutinied under Spendius and Mathos, sparking the Mercenary War. They were joined by approximately 70,000 North African recruits from oppressed territories. Carthage struggled in early engagements, but Hamilcar Barca was granted supreme command in 239 BC and gradually reversed the rebels' momentum.
In 238 BC, Mathos led the remnant rebel army 160 km south to the port city of Leptis Parva in Byzacium. Hamilcar and Hanno, having reconciled, pursued with a superior Carthaginian force, harassing the rebel march over three months. Battle was finally joined at Leptis Parva, where the Carthaginian army decisively defeated the rebels, effectively destroying the mutinous force.
Following their defeat at Leptis Parva, the remaining rebellious cities rapidly surrendered or were captured by Carthaginian forces. The victory brought the Mercenary War to a close, restoring Carthaginian control over its North African territories and ending the threat posed by the large-scale mercenary and indigenous revolt.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Hamilcar Barca, Hanno.
Side B
1 belligerent
Mathos.