Siege of Adys, 256 B.C.

The Siege of Adys was the second major engagement during the Roman invasion of North Africa (First Punic War). Having captured Aspis soon after landing, the Roman fleet had been withdrawn, leaving behind an army of 15,000 infantry and 500 cavalry, under the command of the consul Marcus Regulus. He moved inland from Aspis with the intention of plundering the surrounding area. At Adys they came to a walled town, and settled down for a regular siege.

In the aftermath of their defeat at the battle of Cape Ecnomus, the Carthaginians had been convinced that the Romans would sail directly for Carthage, and so had concentrated their efforts around the city. Learning of the Roman landing at Aspis, they moved to create a field army. Two generals – Bostar and Hadrubal son of Hanno – were appointed to command the troops already in North Africa, while Hamilcar was recalled from Sicily, bringing with him 5000 infantry and 500 cavalry. Together the three Carthaginian generals decided to move against the Roman army around Adys. The resulting battle of Adys would see the Romans win a victory that came close to winning the war.  

cover The Punic Wars, Adrian Goldsworthy. An excellent work which covers all three Punic wars. Strong on both the land and naval elements of the wars.
cover cover cover
How to cite this article: Rickard, J (10 May 2007), Siege of Adys, 256 , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/siege_adys.html

Help - F.A.Q. - Contact Us - Search - Recent - About Us - Privacy