The line of war elephants scattered the lightly armored Velites. In retreat, the skirmishers filtered through the Legion ranks. Not that it made a difference, but the First Maniple wore heavier armor and grasped bigger shields. But like the Velites, the Legionaries were no match for the enormous beasts. Tusks capped with bronze tips swung, defining the width of destruction expected by each Century. Archers on the backs of the animals launched arrows into the Legion ranks. Legionaries fell from the arrows, were pulled back and off their combat lines. Those were the lucky ones.
Behind the elephants, a horde of Hannibal Barca's best infantrymen kept pace. Modest in its simplicity, the plan was devised for one outcome. Ram through with the elephants, followed by the light infantry, who would maintain avenues through the Legion lines. Next up, the heavies infiltrated the broken lines, adding their spears and shields. Discipline would breakdown, Legionaries would panic, and victory would go to the killers of the African Corps.
With the Roman Legions across the field from the Carthaginian army, General Cornelius Scipio, and General Hannibal Barca would finally match wits. God-like in their commands with conquests by the hundreds, they were far above any contemporaries. Except perhaps for the General across the contested landscape.
