Cronium 376 BC (C&C Ancients)

Historical Background: In 410 BC, Carthage invaded Greek Sicily, ending seventy years of peace. In the turmoil surrounding the Punic invasion, Dionysius I was able to establish a tyranny in Syracuse in 405. Dionysius initiated a series of wars against Carthage and neighboring Greek cities. In 377 Dionysius won a crushing victory at Cabala, capturing 5,000 men and killing over 10,000, including the Carthaginian general Mago. His son, Himilco, rebuilt the Punic army and sought a re-match at Cronium in 376 with his army of over 30,000 foot and 4000 horse. Dionysius was confident that his army, of about the same size, would easily defeat this Punic army a second time. Dionysius commanded his Greek mercenaries in the center, his brother Leptines led the Syracusans on the right, while the left was held by allied Greeks and Gauls. Himilco formed his center with Libyan levies, placing heavier Greek and barbarian mercenaries on the wings. Dionysius drove back the Punic center, but Leptines was killed during his assault, and the Syracusan right wing buckled. Himilco's mercenaries also broke the Greek left. As both wings collapsed, the Syracusan center was enveloped and a great slaughter commenced. Himilco had won an unexpected victory, avenged his father’s death and forced Dionysius to sue for peace. Cronium was the greatest open field Punic victory in three centuries of combat with Syracuse.

Himilco orders his cavalry to charge both Syracusan flanks, routing the left while inflicting moderate damage on the right. (Carthage 2, Syracuse 0)

The cavalry of the Syracusan right under Leptines counter attacks, inflicting some damage. On the Syracusan left, the Carthaginian cavalry is repelled and a standoff ensues. (Carthage 2, Syracuse 0)

The Carthaginian left destroys almost all that was left of Leptines cavalry before advancing on the Syracusan right. (Carthage 3, Syracuse 0)

Himilco brings up more troops on his left while the Syracusans regroup. (Carthage 3, Syracuse 0)

The Syracusan right under Leptines weathers an attack, before countering with the help of Dionysius' center of heavy troops. The Carthaginian left is scattered, but not without inflicting many casualties among the Syracusan hoplites. (Carthage 5, Syracuse 3)

Himilco moves up the Carthaginian center, while Leptines and the Syracusian right continue their push, but fail to kill the Carthaginian general opposing them. (Carthage 5, Syracuse 4)

The Carthaginian center under Himilco manages to drive a wedge between Dionysius and Leptines, seperating the Syracusan center from the right. Meanwhile, Dionysius' heavy hoplites manage to thin out the Carthaginian center, while the Syracusan left finally moves up to engage. (Carthage 6, Syracuse 5)

Himilco goes for the kill and the Carthaginian centers destroys Dionysius' heavy hoplites, forcing him to withdraw with the remnants of his forces. (Carthage 7, Syracuse 5)