La actitud líbica ante la invasión romana de M. Atilio Régulo (256-255 a.C.)

Abstract

We found very few data in the preserved sources on the attitude of the Libyan population under the rule of Carthage during the Roman campaign of Regulus in Africa in 256-255 B.C. This is undoubtedly due to the nature of the original sources of those we have on the matter (mainly Polybius, Diodorus and Cassius Dio-Zonaras, also Appian), all of them focused on the confrontation between Rome and Carthage and — more concretely — on the merits of Regulus (those sources originally pro-Roman) and of Xanthippus (those pro-Carthaginians, with Philinus, probably, the first of them) — It is clear, however, the Libyan and Numidian implication in the contest, although in different ways. This Libyan involvement will have important consequences in the development of the last phase of the war and announced problems that Carthage will face in Africa as a result of the mercenary riot of Sicily in 241-240 B.C.