How Did Carthage Raise its Mercenary Armies? (Documentary)
In this history documentary we will explore ancient Carthage.
We begin with a brief history of Carthage and the Punic military. This begins in its early colonial years when the small town boasted but a small, unremarkable militia. Within a few centuries however the city would blossom and begin to deploy more formidable forces of infantry, cavalry, and chariots. It would be these which fought the early Punic Wars against the Greeks in Sicily. However upon facing devastating losses of citizen life in these conflicts, Carthage reformed its military to rely more on its auxiliaries, allies, and mercenaries. It would be this new army that would win it a vast Empire and come face to face with the Romans.
With this in mind we look at how war was declared, how troops were mustered, and how armed forces were deployed to various theaters of war. Such an understanding will hopefully enrich your study of Carthaginian history and the Punic Wars with Rome.