Battle of the Third Punic War where the forces of the Roman Republic, commanded by Scipio Aemilianus, defeated the forces of Carthage who were commanded by Diogenes of Carthage
The Roman victory at Nepheris in 147 BC destroyed the last Carthaginian field army, directly enabling the fall of Carthage months later.
Key Facts
- Year of battle
- Late 147 BC
- War
- Third Punic War
- Carthaginians who escaped
- 4,000 soldiers
- Roman commander
- Scipio Aemilianus
- Carthaginian commander
- Diogenes of Carthage
- Prior engagement at site
- First Battle of Nepheris (Roman defeat)
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Roman defeat at the Battle of the Port of Carthage, Scipio Aemilianus resolved to eliminate the Carthaginian field army stationed at Nepheris, a fortified stronghold south of Carthage. The Romans had previously suffered a defeat at this same location during the First Battle of Nepheris against Hasdrubal the Boetharch, making the recapture a strategic priority.
In 147 BC, Scipio blockaded Carthage and cut off supplies to Nepheris, then encircled the Carthaginian camp commanded by Diogenes of Carthage. Forced out of their fortified position against a smaller Roman force, the Carthaginians were decisively defeated, losing thousands of soldiers. Most survivors were taken prisoner, with only 4,000 managing to escape.
The capture of Nepheris shattered the morale of Carthage's remaining defenders and eliminated any meaningful external military support. With their last field army destroyed and their stronghold taken, Carthage itself fell to Roman forces a few months later, ending the Third Punic War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Scipio Aemilianus.
Side B
1 belligerent
Diogenes of Carthage.