Bomilcar (3rd century BC) the presence of his force only increased the scarcity under which the Tarentines themselves suffered, they were obliged to dismiss him. Bomilcar (3rd century BC) Bomilcar (, ) was a Carthaginian commander in the Second Punic War (218–201). He was the commander of the Carthaginian supplies which were voted to Hannibal after the Battle of Cannae (216) and with which he arrived in Italy in the ensuing year. They amounted to 4,000 Numidian cavalry, 40 war elephants, 500 or 1,000 talents of silver, grain, and other provisions. In 214, he was sent with 55 ships to the aid of Syracuse,
Early Middle Ages had broken down, and the Roman army comprised mainly barbarians and soldiers recruited for a single campaign. The general decline in discipline also led to the use of smaller shields and lighter weaponry. Not wanting to share the glory, Eastern Emperor Valens ordered an attack on the Therving infantry under Fritigern without waiting for Western Emperor Gratian, who was on the way with reinforcements. While the Romans were fully engaged, the Greuthung cavalry arrived. Only one-third of the Roman army managed to escape. This represented the most shattering defeat that the Romans had suffered since the Battle of Cannae (216