Crimissos River 341 BC (C&C Ancients)

Historical Background: The Carthaginians learned from earlier defeats in Sicily that they had to field reliable, trained heavy infantry of their own. They formed the Sacred Band, a force of about 2,500 excellently trained Carthaginians, as good or better than the best the Greeks or Syracusans could field. They formed a part of a large army under Hasdrubal, advancing eastward to subjugate Sicily. Opposing him with a much smaller army was the able tactician Timoleon. Ever aggressive, Timoleon anxiously awaited an opportunity to strike the Carthaginians a hard blow on his terms. He got that chance when, on a foggy morning, Hasdrubal carelessly ordered his army to cross the Crimissos River without bothering to send out scouts (who would have reported that Timoleon’s army was arrayed on the bluffs just beyond the river). Waiting until about half of the Carthaginian army had crossed, Timoleon unleashed his excellent heavy infantry phalanx against the surprised Carthaginians. Most who survived fled, but the Sacred Band stood their ground and were annihilated by superior numbers, (aided by a sudden rainstorm that slowed Carthaginian reinforcements crossing the river). Seeing the disaster unfolding across the river, the remainder of Hasdrubal’s army broke and fled. The loss of so many citizen soldiers had a horrific effect on Carthage. The Sacred Band was reformed, but only once was it ever dispatched from Africa again, and then only for a very short campaign.

Timoleon charges forward with some heavy Syracusan troops supported by cavalry and clashes with the Carthaginian Sacred Band. The result is disastrous for the Syracusans as they are routed and Timoleon is killed. Meanwhile, the other Syracusan commander, Marmecus, moves his heavy troops to block the river crossing. (Syracuse 0, Carthage 3)

What little remains of the Syracusan right is crushed by Hasdrubal and the Sacred Band. Even though Marmecus still holds the crossing, the surrounded Syracusans are forced to withdraw or face annihilation. (Syracuse 1, Carthage 5)