08-10-2002, 04:15 AM
Not sure on the number of Legions, I might be able to add a bit.<br>
<br>
I think there were technically 4 legions, 2 Roman and 2 Allied.<br>
<br>
The core of Scipio's forces were made of what was left from the two Legions that were trounced at Caenne. They lost a little more than 50% of their strength, were disgraced and were sort of bannished to Sicily. It was from them that Scipio found a readily available force for invasion...those men wanted to redeam themselves.<br>
<br>
Scipio also recruited from Sicily, and performed a rather brilliant trick to bolster his cavalry. He asked for volunteers from among the Sicilian nobles to come fully equipped with horse and kit. They were too proud not to come, but the kids from the noble families that came were scared to death at the idea of invading Africa. So, Scipio said he'd let them off the hook...providing they allow a commoner to take their equipment and horse and be the cavalryman in their place.<br>
<br>
This little trick, combined with a diplomatic triumph which secured Massinesa's Numidian cavalry under Scipio gave him the edge in the mounted battle, which was essential for the success of Zama. <p></p><i></i>
<br>
I think there were technically 4 legions, 2 Roman and 2 Allied.<br>
<br>
The core of Scipio's forces were made of what was left from the two Legions that were trounced at Caenne. They lost a little more than 50% of their strength, were disgraced and were sort of bannished to Sicily. It was from them that Scipio found a readily available force for invasion...those men wanted to redeam themselves.<br>
<br>
Scipio also recruited from Sicily, and performed a rather brilliant trick to bolster his cavalry. He asked for volunteers from among the Sicilian nobles to come fully equipped with horse and kit. They were too proud not to come, but the kids from the noble families that came were scared to death at the idea of invading Africa. So, Scipio said he'd let them off the hook...providing they allow a commoner to take their equipment and horse and be the cavalryman in their place.<br>
<br>
This little trick, combined with a diplomatic triumph which secured Massinesa's Numidian cavalry under Scipio gave him the edge in the mounted battle, which was essential for the success of Zama. <p></p><i></i>
