GELA - 405 BC

Carthaginian vs Syracusan

Historical Background
After seizing Akragas, Himilco led his army of 45,000 Africans, Iberians and Campanians to Gela, where he encamped them on the heights of Apollo overlooking the city. The Geloans sent pleas for help to Dionysius of Syracuse who answered the call by bringing an army of 31,000 comprising Syracusans, Italiots, Siciliots and mercenaries.
Dionysius planned a complicated three pronged assault. On the right, Syracusan and Siciliot troops commanded by Dionysius' father in law Heloris, would move North around the city and attack the Carthaginian left. On the left, the Italiots would attack along the coast in conjunction with an amphibious landing by light troops, while the remaining troops with Dionysius would sortie out of Gela to fall on the enemy centre. Everything was timed so that the rising sun would blind the Carthaginians.
All went well at first. The coastal assault took the Carthaginians by surprise and in the North the Carthaginians struggled to get themselves organised against the attack led by Heloris. However the crowded streets of Gela delayed Dionysius and he failed to mount any attack, thus allowing the Carthaginians to regroup and defeat his army in detail.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. The rest is history.

War Council

Carthaginian Army
Leader: Himilco
Take 5 Command cards

Syracusan Army
Leader: Dionysius
Take 5 Command cards
Move first

Victory
6 banners

Special Rules
Due to surprise all first turn Syracusan attacks gain +1 combat die.

Original PDF: click here to download Jim Duncan maps/scenarios (JDxx)
Vassal Module:  click here to download VASSAL MODULE to play online