Scipio Africanus Major
20,000 Heavy Infantry
14,000 light Infantry
2,700 Roman Cavalry
6,000 Numidian Cavalry
Hannibal Barca
50,000 Infantry
3,ooo Cavalry
80 War Elephants
First to engage were the Cavalry,the Roman force swept the Carthaginians off the field but instead of turning back to the main battle they carried on pursuing the Carthaginians,effectevly wiping out the Romans horse advantage.
the Roman light infantry entered into a skirmish battle with the Infantry and Elephants of Carthage,then the main formations engaged.Hannibal had deployed his veteran troops in Echelon formations behind his first line of Infantry,he hoped to use these experienced soldiers to envelop the Roman flanks.However Scipio had his principes and Triarii form the Echelon formations too and they were able to counter the carthaginians flanking manoeuvre.Hannibals Elephants were near useless as they got spooked by the noise and chaos of the battle and stampeded away from the fighting and into Hannibals own troops.
The Romans struggled on with the Numerically stronger Carthaginian Infantry and were on the verge of defeat when the Cavalry suddenly reappeared and attacked the Carthaginians in the rear.Now Hannibal found his forces fighting on both sides and his Army began to fold,this two pronged attack disintegrated the Carthaginian formations and the Romans against the odds took the Victory.
For more info on the Battle of Zama
Event details
