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How did Masinissa and Gaius Laelius contribute to Scipio Africanus’s victory at Zama?
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Scipio Africanus
Silver coin from Carthago Nova, believed to be a portrait of Scipio Africanus the Elder; in the Royal Collection of Coins and Medals, National Museum, Copenhagen.
At the Battle of Zama, the Numidian ruler Masinissa and the Roman general Gaius Laelius provided Scipio Africanus with a decisive advantage in cavalry.12
Their contributions were critical to the Roman victory in the following ways:
- Cavalry Superiority: Masinissa and Laelius commanded a superior force of 6,100 cavalrymen, which outperformed the smaller, less-trained Carthaginian horsemen.2
- Initial Rout: During the battle, they successfully charged the Carthaginian cavalry on the wings, driving them from the field.12
- Decisive Rear Attack: After breaking off their pursuit of the fleeing Carthaginian horsemen, Masinissa and Laelius returned to the battlefield at a crucial moment. They struck the rear of Hannibal’s infantry, trapping his veteran troops between the Roman infantry and the cavalry assault, which effectively crushed the Carthaginian army.12
By securing this tactical advantage, Masinissa and Laelius were instrumental in ending the Second Punic War and cementing Scipio’s victory.342