October 202 BC
The last line
The Romans re-form into a single line, the hastati in the centre and the principes and triarii on the wings, to match the longer line of Hannibal’s veterans, now joined by men rallied from the first two lines. The two sides are about equal in number, and the veterans are fresh. Polybius writes that they charge each other with the greatest fire and fury, and the fight goes on for a long time without either side giving way.
Scenes from the battle of Zama, relief plaquette, probably French, 17th century, Metropolitan Museum of ArtWikimedia Commons, Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0 (Scenes from the Battle of Zama MET 149866.jpg)
Then Masinissa and Laelius return from the pursuit and charge the Carthaginian line from behind. The line collapses and a great massacre follows. Hannibal is one of the few who escape.
Sources
- Polybius, Histories, book 15, 14.
- Livy, History of Rome, book 30, 34 to 35.
- Adrian Goldsworthy, The Fall of Carthage (2006).
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