Carthaginian Libyan Spearmen

The troops known as Libyans or Libyphoenicians were Carthage's native subjects, at least in early armies probably pressed into reluctant service. The 12000 Libyans who reached Italy with Hannibal, however, were clearly his most trusted troops, and he went to great lengths to preserve them in all his battles. They performed well on and off the battlefield. In early armies they are classed as Sp(I), in later armies as rSp(O) or, in Hannibal's army, rSp(S).

Pictures

Libyan spearmen

Libyan spearmen, displaying shield devices with religious connotations as well as simpler geometric patterns.

Libyan spearmen

Libyan spearmen in column.


Arnstein Orten
Last modified: Wed Apr 24 16:04:15 MET DST 2002