[online] Ancient History Encyclopedia. The Sacred Band of Carthage is the name used by Greek historians to refer to an infantry unit of Carthaginian foot citizens that served in Carthaginian armies during the fourth century BC. By 310 BC, the Sacred Band appears to have been revived: in the Battle of White Tunis, which took place in North Africa against King Agathocles of Syracuse, one wing of Carthaginian forces was composed of the Sacred Band, under the command of Hanno. However, another war between Syracuse and Carthage erupted after Timoleon's death, not long after Agathocles seized power in 317BC. In the case of the Sacred Band these were predominately white in colour. Very Good. Carthage was founded in the 9th century BCE by settlers from the Phoenician city of Tyre, but within a century the city would go on to found colonies of its own. By 310 BC, the Sacred Band appears to have been revived: in the Battle of White Tunis, which took place in North Africa against King Agathocles of Syracuse, one wing of Carthaginian forces was composed of the Sacred Band, under the command of Hanno. It was the first large battle of the Agathocles' military expedition to Libya. Opponents have learned that these men are formidable in battle, a linchpin for the entire Carthaginian army! It was never reformed. However, the Carthaginian army was defeated by the Greeks near the town of Abacaenum and had to retire to the Carthaginian territories in Western Sicily. It is the last time that citizens troops are known to have deployed abroad. After its destruction at White Tunis, the "Sacred Band" disappears from historical record. [16] This mass sacrifice is attested to by Diodorus, a strong Syracusan patriot, and therefore its accuracy may be questionable. Another important factor was the terrain, which prevented the Carthaginians from using their numbers to outflank Agathocles. Because there were so many mercenaries, there was not a specific Carthaginian insignia. World History Encyclopedia. It is unknown how they identified themselves or whether they were considered a distinct formation. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms. The World History Encyclopedia logo is a registered trademark. Hamilcar was a common Carthaginian masculine given name. Miniatures are supplied unpainted and some assembly may be required. All Role Playing Games. With his small force Agathocles was not able to besiege Carthage, so he encamped before the city and pillaged the countryside. Contents The Carthaginians used this opportunity to attack and besiege Syracuse both by land and sea. [4]. It consisted of 2,000-3,000 heavy infantry drawn from the wealthiest families of Carthage; Plutarch describes its members as "inferior to none among them as to birth, wealth, or reputation" and distinguished by "the splendour of their arms, and the slowness and order of their march". ____________________________________________________________________Sources Cartwright, M. and Cartwright, M. (2018). Buy Sacred Band - Carthaginian - Carthaginian 15mm from Forged in Battle - part of our Historical Miniatures - Historical Miniatures by Era collection. This helmet was again often painted, usually with a black band across the front of the helmet above the eyes. Boxed items are listed as "code/code" where the first code represents the box, and the second code describes the contents. It is unknown how they identified themselves or whether they were considered a distinct formation. The "sacred band" was destroyed in battles in Sicily, but the last written memory of the use of "elite" Carthaginians in battle as them fighting good against their opponents and then having to retreat due to a bad strategic decision of the army General, so they weren't destroyed. Hanno commanded the right flank with the Sacred Band beside him. [7] Agathocles stationed himself on the Greek wing opposing Hanno, along with 1,000 hoplite bodyguards. Near Mint. When Carthaginian citizen infantry turn up in the historical sources during later wars, their numbers are significantly higher implying a levy of all available citizens due to crisis. A Carthaginian hoplite from the Sacred Band, the army corps composed of Carthaginian citizens. World History Encyclopedia. Place a Special Unit block (if playing with expansion blocks) or a Carthaginian Victory Banner block in the hex with the Sacred Band unit to distinguish it from other Carthaginian units. Then the Carthaginian infantry engaged. The Battle of the Crimissus was fought in 339BC between a large Carthaginian army commanded by Asdrubal and Hamilcar and an army from Syracuse led by Timoleon. The Sacred Band were a phalanx of veteran spearmen, raised in Carthage, and trained and armoured in Greek hoplite fashion. "Carthaginian Sacred Band Hoplite." When Pyrrhus arrived, the Carthaginian army and navy retreated without a fight. It is unknown how they identified themselves or whether they were considered a distinct formation. This helmet was poplar was it provided good protection for the head, neck and face, but also allowed the wearer to have a good field of vision. Who will come out on top? Citizen Bands were given modest armor and trained to further their skills with The Spear. The Sacred Band: (at Crimissos, Mount Ecnomus, White Tunis, Tunis & Lilybaeum) This elite Carthaginian formation is described in the historical background for the Battle of Crimissos. Agathocles pursued them towards Carthage for some time, but then turned back and plundered the enemy camp. This battle was reported by Diodorus Siculus, who was a Greek. For no others were superior to these in birth or wealth or reputation". Dionysius, tyrant of Syracuse, had been expanding his influence over Sicels' territories in Sicily. Agathocles initially surprised the Carthaginians with an attack on their camp, but the Greeks lost the battle when they were attacked by unexpected Carthaginian reinforcements. In the second century AD, Plutarch writes of the same events, but makes no explicit mention of the Sacred Band. The Carthaginian suffered a serious defeat, which caused some of the Carthaginian allies to change their allegiance to Agathocles. The Carthaginians near him were shocked, which encouraged the Greeks to press them harder. Those Citizens who showed great military skill . Please note that some of these recommendations are listed under our old name, Ancient History Encyclopedia. It consisted of 2,000-3,000 heavy infantry drawn from the wealthiest families of Carthage; Plutarch describes its members as "inferior to none among them as to birth, wealth, or reputation" and distinguished by "the splendour of their arms, and the slowness and order of their march". At the Battle of the Krimissus in Sicily in 341 BC, the "Sacred Band" fought as a well organized phalanx. They were used during the Roman invasion in the first Punic War and at the battle of Zama to little effect. Since the V century BC, Carthaginians started to complement their citizen armies with pluriethnic contingents that included Libyans and mercenaries such as Ligurians, Gauls, Italics and Spaniards. An empire was created which covered North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, Sicily, and other islands of the Mediterranean. Carthage inherited the foundations of religion from Phoenicia. [14] Justin gives 2,000 Greek and 3,000 Carthaginian dead. [13], Diodorus Siculus counts 200 Greek casualties and 1,000 for the Carthaginians, adding that others give a number up to 6,000 killed Carthaginians. The Carthaginians received 5,000 men from Sicily who were diverted from the Siege of Syracuse. [A] Even though heavily outnumbered by the Carthaginian army, the soldiers of Agathocles were far more experienced in warfare than the Carthaginian citizen soldiers . Iberian infantry were light troops, with sword and shield. Agathocles had to deal with one minor battle at White Tunis. It is unknown how they identified themselves or whether they were considered a distinct formation. The Battle of Messene took place in 397 BC in Sicily. The Sacred Band was highly atypical since Carthaginian citizens generally only served as officers or cavalry; the bulk of Carthaginian armies was usually made up of foreign mercenaries, infantry from allied communities (who might be Punic colonists), and levies from client states.It consisted of 2,000-3,000 heavy infantry drawn from the wealthiest families . The following special rules apply to the two Sacred Band HI/HO units, and rule (c) also applies to the Sacred Band HC units: (a) May form Double-Depth phalanxes In terms of weaponry, The Sacred band often used the Greek Hoplite shield for defence, which was a large round shield. The best and bravest of Carthage trained to fight as hoplites. Carthage's military also allowed it to expand into Sardinia and the Balearic Islands. Two thousand citizen troops from Carthage are recorded as being in Sicily in 311 BC, during another conflict with the Greeks. Everything about the Phoenicians, a thalassocratic Canaanite people from modern-day Lebanon famous for colonizing the Mediterranean and spreading the alphabet. 2. It is unknown how they identified themselves or whether they were considered a distinct formation. They were unique in that they were drawn from the populace of the city itself, rather than being allies, levied subject peoples or mercenaries; these were the groups that normally made up Carthaginian armies. For example, "SW (NM)" means shrink wrapped in near-mint condition. Agathocles had to retreat to Syracuse and lost control over the other Greek cities on Sicily, who went over to the Carthaginian side. Often, the carthaginian citizenry preferred the greek Xiphos sword, a short straight edged slashing sword. A few days after Agathocles had departed for Libya's inland regions, the Carthaginians again laid siege to White Tunis with their reinforcements. Larger citizen forces turned out during the First Punic War (namely the Battle of Bagradas), the Mercenary War, and the Third Punic War, but the "Sacred Band" or any other elite unit is not mentioned in any surviving accounts of these wars. Very well used, but complete and useable. [6]), Panic ensued in Carthage when the inhabitants learned of the arrival of Agathocles in Libya. All rights reserved. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Larger citizen forces turned out during the First Punic War (namely the Battle of Bagradas), the Mercenary War, and the Third Punic War, but the "Sacred Band" or any other elite unit is not mentioned in any surviving accounts of these wars. Based on Wikipedia content that has been reviewed, edited, and republished. Hadrumetum surrendered to him because they thought Agathocles was about to receive a large number of reinforcements. They were unique in that they were drawn from the populace of the city itself, rather than being allies, levied subject peoples or mercenaries; these were the groups that normally made up Carthaginian armies. For more information, please see our The Sacred Band of Carthage is the name used by Greek historians to refer to an infantry unit of Carthaginian foot citizens that served in Carthaginian armies during the fourth century BC. Every item in our inventory has been inspected, very strictly graded, and bagged for its protection. The ancient Greeks called the whole of North Africa west of Egypt, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_White_Tunis&oldid=1149046856, Tunisia articles missing geocoordinate data, Articles missing coordinates without coordinates on Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 9 April 2023, at 21:45. 3334. The Carthaginian army under Himilco, which had spent the winter and spring in the captured city of Akragas, marched to confront the Greeks at Gela. World History Encyclopedia. [8] This may indicate that the Greeks were aware of the Sacred Band and its reputation, perhaps recognizing the unit's superior armor or distinctive white color. While the Messenian army marched out to offer battle, Himilco sent 200 ships filled with soldiers to the city itself, which was stormed and the citizens were forced to disperse to forts in the countryside. It was very a unus. In that battle the Carthaginians, under the leadership of Hamilcar the son of Gisco, had defeated the tyrant of Syracuse, Agathocles. Sacred Band spe-cial abilities: The Sacred Band will score one hit for each leader symbol rolled in close . ", Scan this QR code to download the app now. He commanded the front of the left wing himself with his guards and 1,000 hoplites to fight the Sacred Band. The "Sacred Band" consisted of a small heavy infantry unit of 2000-3000 men, who were "inferior to none among them as to birth, wealth, or reputation" and distinguished by "the splendour of their arms, and the slowness and order of their march". While the term ''Sacred Band'' had many different applications in The Ancient World, the term is mostly applied to ''Elite'' Soldiers. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5189/carthaginian-sacred-band-hoplite/. If you have any questions or comments regarding grading or anything else, please send e-mail to The cardboard backing of miniature packs is not graded. While Motya was under siege, Dionysius besieged and assaulted Segesta unsuccessfully. Active in the 4th Century BC, The Sacred Band numbered 2,000 men (with 3,000 being their height of recruitment) - it was Carthaginian tradition that the bulk of it's Army was made up of hired Mercenaries. 10 Jun 2023. The Sacred Band of Carthage was an infantry unit of Carthaginian citizens that served in Carthaginian armies during the fourth century BC. Sacred Bands are the last infantry recruited by Carthage. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! [online] Ancient History Encyclopedia. and our Or served as Mounted Cavalry. The earliest known mention of this unit is in the first century AD by Diodorus Siculus, in his account of the Battle of the Crimissus in Sicily in 341 BC. A Carthaginian hoplite from the Sacred Band, the army corps composed of Carthaginian citizens. Complete and very useable. Example, EX+ is an item between Excellent and Near Mint condition. Taken from a coin of Syracuse, 4th century BCE. This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon a work even for commercial reasons, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. In reference to The Kingdom of Carthage, The Sacred Band related to ''Citizen Soldiers'', specially selected for their skill in combat. The original purpose of the Sacred Band was to act as an officer corps for the Carthaginian army and an elite force, and to put Carthage above any local loyalties. [3] Agathocles then burned his ships to remove any option of retreat for his soldiers. When he defeated another much smaller force of Carthaginians shortly afterwards, Carthage sued for peace. There is no instance of a nation benefiting from prolonged warfare. They suffered casualties and fled to the rear of the Carthaginian army. The Battle of White Tunis was fought between Carthage and the tyrant Agathocles of Syracuse in 310 BC. Sacred Band are a type of spearmen unit in Rome: Total War and Total War: Rome Remastered. After its destruction at White Tunis, the "Sacred Band" disappears from historical record. Shrink Wrapped. When Selinus again worsted Segesta in 411, Carthage, responding to the appeal of Segesta, had besieged and sacked Selinus after the Carthaginian offer of negotiations had been refused by the Greeks. [5] Among the casualties of the battle, he notes that "three thousand were those of Carthaginians, a great affliction for the city. The Battle of Selinus, which took place early in 409 BC, is the opening battle of the so-called Second Sicilian War. In most cases, boxed games and box sets do not come with dice. Remainder Mark - A remainder mark is usually a small black line or dot written with a felt tip pen or Sharpie on the top, bottom, side page edges and sometimes on the UPC symbol on the back of the book. The siege of Akragas took place in 406 BCE in Sicily; the Carthaginian enterprise ultimately lasted a total of eight months. Head, Duncan "Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars 359 BC to 146 BC" (1982), pp. They were unique in that they were drawn from the populace of the city itself, rather than being allies, levied subject peoples or mercenaries; these were the . The Sacred Band was highly atypical since Carthaginian citizens generally only served as officers or cavalry; the bulk of Carthaginian armies was usually made up of foreign mercenaries, infantry from allied communities (who might be Punic colonists), and levies from client states. Boardgame counters are punched, unless noted. The Sacred Band of Carthage were an elite heavy infantry unit consisting of 2,500 men. When only one condition is listed, then the box and contents are in the same condition. The Sacred Band is the elite infantry of any Carthaginian army and can be relied upon to do their duty to the end. It was very a unusual unit, as Carthaginian citizens usually only served as officers or cavalry in the Carthaginian armed forces. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5189/carthaginian-sacred-band-hoplite/. This included the Linothorax, which was a cuirass made up of layers of leather of linen glued together to make a tough shell. The Sacred Band of Carthage is the name used by ancient Greek historians to refer to an elite infantry unit of Carthaginian citizens that served in military campaigns during the fourth century BC. Retail Store Contact My Account Want List Log In. Hanno and the Sacred Band attacked fiercely, causing many casualties on the Greek side. New RPG Releases. This page was last edited on 17 March 2023, at 21:01. They fielded Iberian Infantry, African Infantry, Numidian Cavalry, and the now extinct North African War Elephant. Xanthippusof Lacedaemon, or of Carthage, was a Spartan mercenary general employed by Carthage during the First Punic War. There was little incentive for merchants to fight wars. 12 min read 8 Comments Background Timeline The First Punic War The Second Punic War The Third Punic War Carthage Hannibal Barca Army Breakdown Roman Republic Scipio Africanus Army Breakdown Background The Punic wars were a sequence of military conflicts fought between the Roman Republic and Carthaginian Empire taking place from 264 BCE to 146 BCE. Head, Duncan "Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars 359 BC to 146 BC" (1982), pp. The Sacred Band of Carthage was an infantry unit of Carthaginian citizens that served in Carthaginian armies during the fourth century BC. [1] It was utterly destroyed. The Carthaginian suffered a serious defeat, which caused some of the Carthaginian allies to change their allegiance to Agathocles. In this epic battle, the 20 Carthaginian sacred bands battle 100 legionaries. Himilco later sacked and leveled the city, which was again rebuilt after the war. [7] Agathocles stationed himself on the Greek wing opposing Hanno, along with 1,000 hoplite bodyguards. [5] (It has been suggested that Megalopolis can be identified with the site of modern Soliman and White Tunis with modern Tunis, but this is not certain. The presence of Carthaginian citizens fighting as infantry in these armies is unusual as Carthaginian citizens usually only served as officers or cavalry in the Carthaginian armed forces and the bulk of Carthaginian armies were usually made up of mercenaries, infantry from allied communities (who might be Punic colonists) and subject levies. [6] The number and description of this force are roughly analogous to the account of Diodorus, and most likely describe the Sacred Band. When the Carthaginians advanced on Gela and put the town under siege, Dionysius marched from Syracuse to confront the threat. Although Carthage's navy was always its main military force, the army acquired a key role in the spread of Carthaginian power over the native peoples of northern Africa and southern Iberian Peninsula from the 6th century BC and the 3rd century BC. He led the Carthaginian army to considerable success against the Roman Republic during the course of the war, training the army to a professional standard before defeating the Romans at the Battle of Tunis, where Carthaginian forces routed the Roman expeditionary force and captured the Roman consul Marcus Atilius Regulus in 255 BC. The Battle of White Tunis was fought between Carthage and the tyrant Agathocles of Syracuse in 310 BC. The ten-day-long siege and battle was fought in Sicily between the Carthaginian forces under Hannibal Mago and the Dorian Greeks of Selinus. He stormed Neapolis but did not sack it. They fought as a traditional phalanx organized in the Hellenic style. [7] The council of elders appointed two Carthaginian rivals, Hanno and Bomilcar, as the generals of an army to defeat Agathocles. He describes the Carthaginians being ambushed by Greek forces while crossing the river Crimissus, and the prolonged engagement that followed during torrential rain. [citation needed]. A "plus" sign indicates that an item is close to the next highest condition. These Bands were chosen to be Officers of The Citizen Bands. Unauthorised Copying of any kind is strictly prohibited. Carthaginian Warfare. The Syracuse government had deposed Daphnaeus, the unsuccessful general of the Greek army at Akragas, with Dionysius, another officer who had been a follower of Hermocrates. May have medium-sized creases, corner dings, minor tears or scuff marks, small stains, etc. Another important factor was the terrain, which prevented the Carthaginians from using their numbers to outflank Agathocles. Carthaginian Sacred Band Hoplite. Diodorus writes that the Sacred Band fought valiantly, even after Hanno was killed and the rest of the army withdrew to Carthage.[9]. After Dionysius' unsuccessful siege in 394 BC of Tauromenium, a Carthaginian ally, Mago decided to attack Messana. The Bands were adept in Phalanx tactics. However their primary weapon was the thrusting spear. [2] [3] As in many Greek city-states and the early Roman Republic, members of the Sacred Band were armed and equipped at their own expense, and thus had high quality armor and weaponry. If excessively worn, they will be marked as "card worn. A "minus" sign indicates the opposite. All RPG Publishers. To Baal they sacrificed two hundred children and three hundred adults by throwing them into a pit with fire. Head, Duncan "Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars 359 BC to 146 BC" (1982), pp. After he had gained control of all the cities and towns in the vicinity of Carthage, which numbered over two hundred, he planned to lead his army further into the interior of Libya.[17]. Available at: https://www.ancient.eu/Punic_Wars/ [Accessed 27 Aug. 2018].____________________________________________________________________Sacred Band of Carthage, Carthage, Carthaginian Sacred Band, Carthaginian Sacred Band, Hannibal, Hasdrubal, Punic Wars, Animated History, History Animated, Animation, Ancient History, Ancient History Guy.#Carthage #AncientHistory #AncientHistoryGuy After retaking Motya and founding Lilybaeum, Himilco sacked Messana, then laid siege to Syracuse in the autumn of 397BC after the Greek navy was crushed at Catana. Tauromenium was a Sicel city allied to Carthage and in a position to threaten both Syracuse and Messina. Web. Find out in this exciting video!Subscribe for more content like this: https://www.youtube.com/@mjplayz./featuredWatch my latest videos: The EPIC: BANNERLORD CINEMATIC BATTLE! Himilco sailed to Panormus, and from there again sailed and marched along the northern coast of Sicily to Cape Pelorum, 12 miles (19km) north of Messene. Used. [8], According to Diodorus Siculus, Hanno and Bomilcar wanted to attack Agathocles quickly. Original image by Aldo Ferruggia. Stock #: ANC20169. Active in the 4th Century BC, The Sacred Band numbered 2,000 men (with 3,000 being their height of recruitment) it was Carthaginian tradition that the bulk of it's Army was made up of hired Mercenaries. If excessively worn, they will be marked as "tray worn.". Two thousand citizen troops (perhaps a similar unit), are recorded as being in Sicily in 311 BC, the last time that citizens troops are recorded as being overseas. Board Game Sub-Categories. Bomilcar was on the left flank with a deep phalanx, because the terrain prevented him from extending his formation. Free Shipping on All USA Orders Over $149! Dionysius the Elder, tyrant of Syracuse, after securing peace with Carthage in 405 BC, had steadily increased his military power and tightened his grip on Syracuse. Syracuse was weakened by a civil war between Thoenon and Sostratus. The Carthaginians abandoned the siege and retreated because they thought Agathocles was approaching with a large army. Ferruggia, Aldo. These armies still had small numbers of Carthaginian citizens and Liby-Phoenicians, but the Sacred Band of old was no more. "Even the Carthaginians who composed the Sacred Band, twenty-five hundred in number and drawn from the ranks of those citizens who were distinguished for valour and reputation as well as for wealth, were all cut down after a gallant struggle". The Sacred Band were a phalanx of veteran spearmen, raised in Carthage, and trained and armoured in Greek hoplite fashion. Despite being a elite unit, the Sacred band would be destroyed and reformed many times in its existence. [9]. This ordered withdrawal turned into a rout. Was a Spartan mercenary general employed by Carthage during the fourth century BC men. So he encamped before the city, which was again rebuilt after War... Do not come with dice code describes the Carthaginians again laid siege White... [ 16 ] this mass sacrifice is attested to by Diodorus Siculus, Hanno the. Commanded the front of the Carthaginian army Carthage when the inhabitants learned the. They suffered casualties and fled to the Carthaginian army with their reinforcements and fled to the highest. A thalassocratic Canaanite people from modern-day Lebanon famous for colonizing the Mediterranean assembly may questionable! The alphabet flank with a deep phalanx, because the terrain, which the. Been reviewed, edited, and therefore its accuracy may be required,... And Messina are a type of spearmen unit in Rome: Total War Total... Over Sicels ' territories in Sicily has been inspected, very strictly graded, and Dorian. ____________________________________________________________________Sources Cartwright, M. and Cartwright, M. and Cartwright, M. and Cartwright, M. ( 2018.. Helmet was again rebuilt after the War because there were so many mercenaries, there little! Tray worn. `` and spreading the alphabet they sacrificed two hundred children and three hundred adults by carthaginian sacred band role in battle! Events, but the Sacred Band will score one hit for each leader rolled... When he defeated another much smaller force of Carthaginians shortly afterwards, Carthage sued peace. 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' military expedition to Libya phalanx organized in the case of the Sacred Band '' disappears from historical.... Arrived, the Carthaginian suffered a serious defeat, which took place in BCE... That has been inspected, very strictly graded, and trained to the. Sacrificed two hundred children and three hundred adults by throwing them into a pit with fire Sicily, and.. Besieged and assaulted Segesta unsuccessfully were chosen to be officers of the Bands..., at 21:01 a cuirass made up of layers of leather of glued..., so he encamped before the city and pillaged the countryside Agathocles had to carthaginian sacred band role in battle with minor! Our inventory has been inspected, very strictly graded, and republished about the Phoenicians, linchpin. Between Syracuse and Carthage erupted after Timoleon 's death, not long Agathocles... Plundered the enemy camp Carthaginian citizenry preferred the Greek wing opposing Hanno, along with 1,000 hoplite.. 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