Xanthippus (Spartan commander) facts for kids

Xanthippus (Ancient Greek: Ξάνθιππος) was a skilled military leader from Sparta, an ancient Greek city. He worked as a mercenary (a soldier for hire) for Ancient Carthage during the First Punic War. Xanthippus helped Carthage achieve great success against the Roman Republic. He trained the Carthaginian army to be very professional. He then led them to victory at the Battle of Tunis in 255 BC. In this battle, Carthaginian forces completely defeated the Roman army and captured the Roman leader Marcus Atilius Regulus.

Who Was Xanthippus?

Xanthippus was a Spartan general. He was hired by Carthage in 255 BC to help train their soldiers. The ancient writer Diodorus says Xanthippus led a small group of Spartan mercenaries. These soldiers were brought in by Carthage during the war.

How Xanthippus Became a Leader

Another ancient writer, Polybius, tells us how Xanthippus became important. Xanthippus first caught the attention of Carthaginian leaders by criticizing their generals. He argued that the Carthaginian generals, not the Romans, were causing their own defeats.

The leaders called Xanthippus to explain himself. He successfully argued his case and was given command of the Carthaginian army. At first, some Carthaginians worried if he was up to the task. However, he quickly proved himself. He successfully trained the army and earned the respect of the soldiers.

Xanthippus's Battle Strategy

Polybius gives Xanthippus credit for the Carthaginian battle plan at the Battle of Tunis. Xanthippus placed his citizen soldiers in the middle of his army. Experienced mercenaries held the right side of his formation.

He put his war elephants "a suitable distance" in front of the main soldiers. His cavalry (soldiers on horseback) were on the sides, supported by more mercenary foot soldiers. The cavalry used their larger numbers to defeat the Roman cavalry. They then attacked the Roman army from the sides, causing the Romans to flee. After defeating the Roman forces in Africa, Polybius says Xanthippus sailed home to Greece.

What Happened to Xanthippus?

There are different stories about what happened to Xanthippus after the Battle of Tunis.

The Story of His Death

Diodorus tells a story about Xanthippus's death. After the Battle of Tunis, Xanthippus supposedly stopped in the city of Lilybaeum (now Marsala, Sicily). This city was being attacked by the Romans. Xanthippus inspired the people and led an attack that defeated the Romans.

Diodorus claims that the city leaders were jealous of Xanthippus's success. They supposedly gave him a ship that leaked. He then sank in the Adriatic Sea on his way home.

Other Accounts of His Fate

Many historians do not believe Diodorus's story. Scholar John Lazenby thinks this story is very unlikely. This idea is supported by a report that a Xanthippus became governor of a new province for Ptolemy Euergetes of Egypt in 245 BC.

Polybius's account also supports this. Polybius said Xanthippus returned to Greece, not stopping in Lilybaeum. Polybius lived closer to Xanthippus's time than Diodorus, making his account more likely.

Another ancient writer, Appian, wrote that the Carthaginians sent Xanthippus back to Sparta with honors and warships. However, Appian also claimed that the ship captains were secretly ordered to throw Xanthippus and his men into the sea.

Xanthippus's Family

Silius Italicus wrote that Xanthippus was from Amyclae in Laconia. He also claimed that three of Xanthippus's sons, named Xanthippus, Eumachus, and Critias, served under the famous general Hannibal. They were cavalry soldiers and were killed in the Battle of Ticinus.

Sources