HANNIBAL'S CARTHAGINIANS - LIGHT INFANTRY

Carthage is a city-state founded by Phoenician colonists in 814 BC, in what is now northern Tunisia. The city, thanks to the great geographical location and great sailing abilities of its citizens, began to extend its rule in North Africa and southern Europe in the 8th and 7th centuries BC, becoming one of the greatest powers in this part of the world in the 4th century BC. The fleet played a primary role in Carthage, but the land army also played a significant role. Interestingly, during the Punic Wars (264-146 BC) it was composed, to a large extent, of mercenaries and mercenary soldiers from almost the entire Mediterranean basin. The Carthaginian infantry was composed of several types of foot troops. It can be assumed that its most important element was the heavily armed infantry, to some extent modeled on the Macedonian sarissoforoi and also fighting in a manner reminiscent of the Macedonian phalanx. To this should be added numerous light infantry units, such as Balearic slingers or - during the Second Punic War - Celts. Archer troops were also used on a large scale. Under good command and with regular pay pay, the Carthaginian infantry was a very difficult opponent and was able to inflict significant losses on the Roman army.