Commander Xanthippus of Sparta

This item is part of the “Punic Wars: Hannibal at the Gates” Carthage collection.

Commander Xanthippus of Sparta was a Spartan mercenary general who was instrumental in the Carthaginian war effort during the First Punic War (264–241 BC). He is most famous for training the Carthaginian army and leading them to a decisive victory over the Romans at the Battle of Tunis in 255 BC. 

Role in the First Punic War

• Hired by Carthage: After a series of Roman victories in North Africa, including the defeat of the Carthaginian army at the Battle of Adys and the capture of the consul Marcus Atilius Regulus, Carthage was in a desperate situation. Carthaginian leaders, recognizing that their setbacks were due to poor generalship, hired Xanthippus, a professional soldier with significant military experience, as a mercenary commander.
• Military Reforms: Xanthippus quickly reorganized and professionally trained the Carthaginian forces, focusing on better use of their war elephants and their superior cavalry. He convinced the Carthaginian generals to move their forces from the hills, where the Romans had an advantage, to the open plains where their cavalry and elephants would be most effective.
• Battle of Tunis: In 255 BC, Xanthippus led the Carthaginian army against the Roman expeditionary force at the Battle of Tunis (near the Bagradas River). His strategy involved placing a line of war elephants in front of the infantry phalanx, supported by a strong cavalry force on the wings. The tactic worked perfectly: the elephants broke the Roman lines, and the Carthaginian cavalry outmaneuvered and routed their Roman counterparts, attacking the Roman flanks and rear. The Roman army was almost completely annihilated, and the Roman consul Marcus Atilius Regulus was captured.

Commander Xanthippus of Sparta. Carthage. 28 mm Miniatures

Ideal for games like HAIL CAESAR, SAGA and other wargames.

This set contains unpainted Commander Xanthippus of Sparta miniature and base. 

Ideal for games like SAGA and other wargames.

Produced by Tofer's Miniatures
The model was designed by Carlos A. Mariani