The Roman general falls after advancing into a Carthaginian force with strong missile support. Reliance on ranged troops is described as characteristic of the Carthaginian army being fielded here and especially useful against legionaries. Missile troops can disrupt and reduce a dangerous close-combat force before the main engagement. The battle introduces the combined-arms logic that recurs throughout the campaign.
Notable Point · 40:18-40:43
Missile troops blunt Roman heavy infantry
A battlefield success illustrates why Carthaginian armies benefit from using slingers and other missile troops before closing with Roman legionaries.