Early Carthaginian Sacred Band

The sacred band, the only citizen Carthaginian infantry force to serve overseas and an important part of early armies, was formed of around 2500 citizen troops 'distinguished for their valor, reputation and wealth'. It fought as a spear-armed phalanx. After 310BC it probably disappeared. In DBM, it is classed as rSp(S).

Pictures

sacred_band350x400.jpg sacred_band800x480.jpg Sacred band

The Sacred Band leading a column of spear-armed Libyan troops, flanked by their chariot-drawn general.

Sacred band

The Sacred Band.


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