Legio XVII: Battle of Zama Read Online Free PDF Page A

to attack Carthage, and to stand for election as Consul. Before departing Spain, he sent Laelius on a quick trip to Africa to visit Rome’s ally, the Numidian King Syphax. Scipio wanted to renew their friendship and alliance, but Syphax told Laelius that he would only talk with Scipio.  Syphax’s continued cooperation with Rome was important enough that Scipio immediately sailed from Carthago Nova.  He traveled with several warships to Abyla (modern Cueta; Spanish territory) on the coast of Morocco for the meeting.
    After Ilipa, Hasdrubal Gisco had the same idea as Scipio; go to Africa to persuade Syphax to abandon Rome and join Carthage.  To Hasdrubal’s and Scipio’s great surprise, their ships arrived at the harbor about the same time.  Scipio and Hasdrubal decided not to engage in hostilities within the harbor for fear of insulting Syphax.
    Hasdrubal and Scipio were warmly welcomed by Syphax and invited to enjoy his hospitality.  The two men, who had been mortal enemies just a few months ago, put aside their animosity and had a surprisingly cordial meeting and dinner.  Not long after the visit ended and Scipio departed, Hasdrubal convinced Syphax to switch sides by offering him his young, beautiful, and alluring daughter Sophonisba.  Hasdrubal had already promised her to his ally Masinissa to secure his support, but now calculated the support of Syphax as more valuable.
    After the meeting with Hasdrubal and Syphax, Scipio returned to Spain where he was informed that 8,000 Roman Legionaries had mutinied at Sucro (modern Alzira near Valencia). They had grievances over back pay, inequitable distribution of loot, and insufficient supplies.  The mutiny was also fueled in part by rumors that Scipio was near death or had already died.  The mutineers had driven out their appointed Commanders and elected their own leaders.  In time, Scipio identified the five ringleaders and had them executed.  The 8,000 mutineers then swore a new oath of allegiance to Rome and to Scipio.
    Mago meanwhile had recruited sufficient troops from around Gades to attempt a raid on Carthago Nova; the same city that Scipio conquered in 209 BC and recently occupied.  Mago believed it was lightly defended and would contain enough supplies and valuables to feed and fund his seriously depleted Army. He gathered enough seaworthy boats for his Army and rowed 46 miles from Gades to Carteia where he took on drinking water and food.  He then hugged the coastline for another 300 miles (482km), stopping every few days for water and food. until he reached Carthago Nova. He put ashore at night and immediately launched his men in a night attack on the fortified city hoping to take it by surprise.  To his dismay, he found the defenses much stronger than anticipated.  He was forced to retreat with losses that he could ill afford.  He escaped a strong counterattack that poured out of the city gates by fleeing back to his boats.  With few options remaining, he ordered his ships to row back to Gades.
    When Mago arrived, he learned that in his absence the city had switched sides and the city’s gates were now barred shut to him.  He went to nearby Cimbrii and established his headquarters.  He then invited the Gades city leaders to meet with him at Cimbrii to discuss switching loyalty back to Carthage.  When they arrived, he had them scourged and crucified for disloyalty.  Gades was now firmly back in Mago’s control.  As he recruited among the local tribes, Mago reluctantly concluded that his next move would be to return to Africa and await developments.  Spain was no longer a Carthaginian possession and further fighting in Spain would be fruitless.
     
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    Scipio meets Manius Tullus
     
    Scipio gave up his Command in Spain and sailed for Rome.  He arrived in 206 BC shortly before Manius and Legiones XVII and V Etrusci returned from Germania.  Despite opposition from a number of Senators (born of jealousy and a disagreement over how to end