The Mercenary War: Why ancient Carthage's own armies turned on the city and almost destroyed it

The Mercenary War, which erupted in 240 BC, was a direct consequence of the First Punic War between Rome and Carthage.

Lasting from 264 to 241 BC, this earlier conflict had stretched Carthage's resources to their limits.

In its aftermath, Carthage faced severe financial strains, struggling to compensate the mercenaries it had employed during the war.

These mercenaries, a diverse group of fighters from various regions such as Iberia, Gaul, and Italy, had been crucial to Carthage's war efforts but were now a liability in peacetime.

Complicating matters further, the terms of the peace treaty with Rome imposed heavy war indemnities on Carthage, exacerbating its financial woes.

As Carthage delayed payment to its mercenaries, discontent grew within their ranks.

The mercenaries, stationed in Sicca Veneria (present-day Tunisia), became restless and increasingly agitated.

Their grievances were not solely financial; they also felt mistreated and undervalued by their Carthaginian employers, who they believed looked down upon them.

The situation escalated when a dispute over payments led to a breakdown in negotiations.

The mercenaries, feeling cheated and mistreated, rebelled against Carthage.

In 240 BC, the conflict reached a boiling point when the mercenary troops, along with some African allies, openly revolted. 

The mercenaries, under leaders such as Spendius, an escaped Roman slave, and Mathos, a Berber, seized Tunis, posing a direct threat to Carthage.

In response, the Carthaginians appointed Hanno the Great to quell the rebellion.

However, the Carthaginian leadership was divided on the best way to react. Figures like Hanno the Great advocated for a cautious, economical approach, while with the military faction, led by Hamilcar Barca, wanted a more decisive solution. 

The mercenaries attempted to exploit Carthage's internal divisions and weaknesses, hoping to incite rebellion among the native African and Libyan populations against Carthaginian rule.

However, Hanno's initial attempts were unsuccessful, and by 239 BC, the rebellion had spread, gaining support from various African towns and the Libyan population, who resented Carthaginian rule.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Carthage turned to Hamilcar Barca in 239 BC.

Hamilcar, an experienced commander from the First Punic War, brought a new dynamism to the Carthaginian military efforts.

Aware of the diverse and unpredictable nature of the mercenary forces, he often resorted to guerrilla tactics and indirect approaches. 

Hamilcar achieved several victories over the mercenaries, notably at the Battle of the Bagradas River in 239 BC.

These successes, however, did not immediately end the war. The mercenaries continued to hold significant territories, including Tunis, and the conflict persisted.

However, their lack of a centralized command structure and varying levels of discipline among different groups led to inconsistencies in their military effectiveness.

By 238 BC, the tide began to turn in Carthage's favor. Hamilcar Barca successfully recaptured Tunis, dealing a significant blow to the mercenaries.

The war reached its climax in the Battle of "The Saw" in 238 BC. Hamilcar managed to trap the mercenary forces in a valley with limited escape routes.

The battle was named for the terrain's shape, resembling a saw, with Hamilcar's forces cutting down the trapped mercenaries.

This engagement was marked by its high casualty rate and was a significant blow to the mercenaries. 

In the aftermath, Carthage regained control over its territories. The remaining mercenary forces, significantly weakened and demoralized, were gradually defeated or surrendered.

The leaders of the mercenaries, including Spendius and Mathos, were captured and executed, signaling the end of organized resistance.

By 237 BC, the Mercenary War had effectively ended, leaving Carthage significantly weakened but still in control of its African domains. 

In the aftermath of the war, Carthage faced the task of rebuilding and reasserting its authority.

The victory, while crucial for Carthage's survival, came at a great cost. The brutality with which the Carthaginian forces suppressed the rebellion left a mark on the region's psyche.

Politically, the war's end strengthened the position of Hamilcar Barca and the military faction within Carthage.

Recognizing the need for a strong military and stable leadership, Carthage began to focus more on developing its own citizen army and less on hiring mercenaries.

Economically, the war added to the financial burdens that Carthage was already facing due to the indemnities imposed by Rome.

The need to recover and rebuild further strained Carthage's resources, setting the stage for future economic challenges.

As a result, Hamilcar turned his attentions to the Iberian Peninsula and its rich silver mines. It is here that Carthage believed they could quickly regain their economic power and prepare for any future war with Rome.