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| Battle of the Bagradas River |
| Part of Carthage's Mercenary War |
|
|
| Belligerents |
| Carthage |
Rebel mercenaries |
| Commanders |
| Hamilcar Barca |
Spendius |
| Strength |
10,000 militia,
500 cavalry,
70 elephants |
25,000 infantry |
| Casualties and losses |
| 500 killed |
6,000 killed,
2,000 captured |
The Battle of the Bagradas River was a battle in 239 BC between Hamilcar Barca of Carthage and the town of Utica. It marked Carthage's first major victory in the Mercenary War. For the battle fought in 255 BC during the First Punic War, see Battle of Tunis.
Barca was called out of retirement to replace the routed Hanno the Great, following his embarrassing defeat at Utica. Intent on retaking the town, Hamilcar began moving his troops across the beach where they were quickly surrounded by a horde of insurgents from the city, as well as professional soldiers from a nearby castle they were passing. Charging his war elephants around the insurgent horde, Hamilcar was able to reach a nearly undefended Utica where the Numidian Chief Naravas had remained.
