The Battle of Zama Trivia Quiz

Answer: October 19, 202 BC

Zama took place in 202 BC, after almost 16 years of fighting between Rome and Carthage. August 2, 216 BC was the Battle of Cannae, a huge victory for Carthage. June 21, 217 BC was the Battle of Lake Trasimene, a victory for Carthage. June 22, 207 BC was the Battle of the Metaurus, a major defeat for Carthage.

Answer: Hannibal Barca

Over 2000 years later, Hannibal is still regarded as one of the greatest military leaders in history. Hannibal is noted for his invasion of the Italian peninsula and for crossing the Alps with war elephants. His greatest victory was at the Battle of Cannae, which so devastated the Roman army that Carthage was able to invade Italy at will. Cannae is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant tactical battles in history. Hannibal died by his own hand between 183 and 181 BC. Hamilcar, the father of Hannibal, died in 228 BC. Hasdrubal, the brother of Hannibal, died at the Battle of the Metaurus in 207 BC. Hammurabi (no Barca) was a Babylonian King.

Answer: Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus

Scipio Africanus (236-183 BC) is widely regarded as one of the greatest generals of all time. Along with his victory at Zama, he is known for the Battle of Ilipa (206 BC), which ended Carthaginian control of the Iberian peninsula. Scipio returned to Rome as a conquering hero, but refused many of the honors that were offered him. Scipio actually died in exile; his exact date of death and his burial location are mysteries. Marcus Claudius Marcellus was a distinguished general who fought in the second Punic War; he died in 208 BC. Nero (not to be confused with the emperor) was the Roman commander who won at Metaurus. Quintus Fabius Maximus was one of the premier generals of his time, known as the "Sword of Rome."

Answer: Romans had more cavalry, Carthage had more infantry

Hannibal actually had more troops on the field - 45,000 infantry and 4,000 cavalry against Scipio's 34,000 infantry and 6,000 infantry.

Answer: Mercenaries from Gaul and Liguria

The first line of infantry consisted of mercenaries from Gaul, Liguria and the Balearics. The Carthage citizens were second, and the Italian veterans were the last line. Whether or not there were Macedonians at Zama is a point of historical controversy.

Answer: Hastati

The Hastati were the front-line troops. They tended to be young and poor, and hence had the least equipment. The Hastati were discontinued after the Marian reforms of 107 BC. A standard Roman legion would contain ten maniples of 100 troops. The Principes were the second line troops, usually much better armed than the Hastati. The Triarii, as their name suggests, was the third line of troops. The velites were javelin carriers, and would be on the side, harassing the enemy.

Answer: Noise

Scipio had the cavalry blow loud horns, which led several of the elephants to rampage and turn towards the Carthaginian troops. It completely broke up the left flank of Hannibal's army, which the Numidian cavalry under Masinissa was able to use to drive off the field of battle. Scipio brilliantly created open lanes for the elephants to pass through, sending them to the back of Roman forces, where they could be dealt with easily.

Answer: True

While the initial skirmishes of the battle favored the Romans, Hannibal was able to battle back and largely reach a standoff with Scipio between their infantry forces. It was when the Roman cavalry was able to surround the Carthaginians that they suffered massive casualties, and the complete disintegration of the Carthaginian army with Hannibal retreating in defeat. Following the defeat at Zama, the Carthaginian Senate sued for peace. The terms of the peace treaty were so severe that it permanently weakened Carthage's power in the Mediterannean.

Answer: 8 to 1

The battle was a major route for Hannibal. Carthage lost 20,000 soldiers, while Rome only lost 2,500. Another 20,000 Carthaginians were captured after the battle.

Answer: Tunisia

Zama was located near what is present day Sers, Tunisia. Carthage was near present day Tunis. There are ancient ruins at Zama, but they are not nearly as extensive as the ruins at Carthage. Zama is roughly 130 km (80 miles) southwest of Tunis.