07-12-2019, 06:57 PM
Hi Michael et al,
I thought I`d post again to show, in the form of a simple timeline, how I believe the "Zama" campaign of 202 BC developed.
Most of this timeline is based upon Appian and in parts it relates to Livy.
Here`s my speculation:
The Zama Campaign. A revised timeline of events:
April-September summer 202 - no campaigning
The campaigning season in Africa was October-April/May; a period with averages of 25C maximum and precipitation of 45-75mm per month in 5-8 days of rainfall per month.
Late-September/early October 202 Scipio learns of Tiberius Claudius Nero's arrival in Sicily.
Early-October 202 Scipio mobilises and marches along the Bagradas with the Roman army towards Naraggara to link up with Massinissa, prevent Hannibal receiving Numidian reinforcements and possibly defeat Vermina.
Early-October 202 Hannibal in response, marches to Zama to close the distance between himself and his possible reinforcement by Vermina.
Mid-October 202 Having reached Naraggara, Scipio counter marches, turns south to "Margaron".
(15th?) October 202 Laelius with the Roman and allied cavalry camps at Seba Biar. Close to a town called Cilla (Appian) - this is possibly El Sars/Le Sers.
(17th/18th?) October 202 Massinissa joins Roman army at Margaron (El Sars/Le Sers)
19th October 202 In a cavalry battle, Hannibal is defeated by Laelius at Kbor Klib. This is after Hannibal is surprised by Massinissa`s appearance (The battle of Zama). Was Hannibal expecting Vermina to arrive there instead?
For several days skirmishes between Carthaginian and Roman-allied Numidian light cavalries take place along the Siliana valley towards Hannibal's main camp at Zama.
Late-October (About 23rd-25th?) 202 Minucius Thermus captures a supply train - but I believe it more likely this was a reinforcement from Vermina that was ambushed somewhere to the west of "Margaron".
Late-October 202 As the strategic situation had changed, Hannibal requests and is allowed to negotiate with Scipio through Massinissa.
After several days a settlement is reached and there is an armistice between the two forces.
Late-October 202 The two armies return to their operational bases.
Laelius is immediately dispatched to Rome to announce a victory (this is Antias` "preliminary" battle found in Rome's official records - Livy).
Mid-November 202 Laelius is in Rome to make announcement that Hannibal is defeated.
17th December 202 Vermina`s force is defeated by Gaius Octavius (Livy)
Late-December 202 Carthaginian senate agree to Scipio`s terms.
I thought I`d post again to show, in the form of a simple timeline, how I believe the "Zama" campaign of 202 BC developed.
Most of this timeline is based upon Appian and in parts it relates to Livy.
Here`s my speculation:
The Zama Campaign. A revised timeline of events:
April-September summer 202 - no campaigning
The campaigning season in Africa was October-April/May; a period with averages of 25C maximum and precipitation of 45-75mm per month in 5-8 days of rainfall per month.
Late-September/early October 202 Scipio learns of Tiberius Claudius Nero's arrival in Sicily.
Early-October 202 Scipio mobilises and marches along the Bagradas with the Roman army towards Naraggara to link up with Massinissa, prevent Hannibal receiving Numidian reinforcements and possibly defeat Vermina.
Early-October 202 Hannibal in response, marches to Zama to close the distance between himself and his possible reinforcement by Vermina.
Mid-October 202 Having reached Naraggara, Scipio counter marches, turns south to "Margaron".
(15th?) October 202 Laelius with the Roman and allied cavalry camps at Seba Biar. Close to a town called Cilla (Appian) - this is possibly El Sars/Le Sers.
(17th/18th?) October 202 Massinissa joins Roman army at Margaron (El Sars/Le Sers)
19th October 202 In a cavalry battle, Hannibal is defeated by Laelius at Kbor Klib. This is after Hannibal is surprised by Massinissa`s appearance (The battle of Zama). Was Hannibal expecting Vermina to arrive there instead?
For several days skirmishes between Carthaginian and Roman-allied Numidian light cavalries take place along the Siliana valley towards Hannibal's main camp at Zama.
Late-October (About 23rd-25th?) 202 Minucius Thermus captures a supply train - but I believe it more likely this was a reinforcement from Vermina that was ambushed somewhere to the west of "Margaron".
Late-October 202 As the strategic situation had changed, Hannibal requests and is allowed to negotiate with Scipio through Massinissa.
After several days a settlement is reached and there is an armistice between the two forces.
Late-October 202 The two armies return to their operational bases.
Laelius is immediately dispatched to Rome to announce a victory (this is Antias` "preliminary" battle found in Rome's official records - Livy).
Mid-November 202 Laelius is in Rome to make announcement that Hannibal is defeated.
17th December 202 Vermina`s force is defeated by Gaius Octavius (Livy)
Late-December 202 Carthaginian senate agree to Scipio`s terms.
