Battle of Nomae
| Battle of Nomae | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
| Sicels | Syracuse | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Ducetius | Unknown | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Unknown | 4,500-5,500 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
The Battle of Nomae was fought in 450 BCE[1] between a united Sicel army under the command of Ducetius and the Greeks of Syracuse. Ducetius was defeated and his Sicel state broke down soon after.
The Sicels were one of the original inhabitants of
Catana. However, as he grew in power, and also began to expand into Greek territory, Syracuse became concerned. When Ducetius attacked the other major Sicilian Greek power Akragas, the city asked Syracuse for help and Syracuse agreed. The united forces of the two cities advanced towards Ducetius's army, which was besieging the stronghold Motyon (Motya) and met him in battle there, however they were defeated by the Sicels, who took Motyon.[2]
The Greeks regrouped over winter and launched a second assault in the spring of 450. Akragas moved to retake Motyon while Syracuse, who were probably fielding their full remaining army of around 4,500 to 5,500 troops, moved to engage Ducetius. The forces met at Nomae and the Greeks gained a victory this time.[2]
After the battle Ducetius was deserted by his troops and his kingdom broke apart. He surrendered himself to Syracuse, who allowed him to go into exile in
Second Sicilian War against Carthage
.
References
- ^ a b "Battle of Nomae, 450". www.historyofwar.org. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7864-5260-6.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4738-9687-1.