Imperial Brothers by Ian Hughes

Author:Ian Hughes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: HISTORY / Ancient / General
ISBN: 9781473828636
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books
Published: 2013-08-04T16:00:00+00:00

Map 27. Firmus in Africa 374.

Theodosius now turned his attention to Firmus’ own tribe, the Iubaleni. He forced his way to the heartland of the tribe, but was balked by the fact that the tribesmen had retreated to the fastnesses of their mountains. Wary of attacking a strong defensive position, Theodosius retired to Audia, where he was approached by envoys from the tribe of the Iesalenses, who surrendered.32 Firmus’ support was fast eroding.

At some point after his arrival at Audia Theodosius was informed that Firmus had left the Iubaleni, whose loyalty to Firmus was assured, and was intent on gathering support from other tribes. Theodosius set off in pursuit. Arriving at the ‘castle’ of Medianum, he was informed that Firmus had returned to the Isaflenses. Heartened by his earlier victories over the tribe, Theodosius moved to attack.33 As the two armies approached, Theodosius met with their king, Igmazen, who again refused to hand Firmus to the Romans.34

The following day, the two armies met in a fierce battle. The Isaflenses, said by Ammianus to have 20,000 men in the van, with ‘bands of reserves concealed behind them’, were supported by the Iesalenses, the same tribe that had recently surrendered to Theodosius.35 Outnumbered and surrounded, the Romans adopted the ‘tortoise formation’ (in testudinis formiam) and resisted attacks from daybreak until near sunset. Towards the end of the day Firmus approached the Roman lines and appealed to the Roman army to surrender Theodosius before they were overwhelmed, reminding them of Theodosius’ cruel treatment of his captives.36 Some of the troops now lost heart and abandoned their positions, but fortunately for Theodosius the remainder continued to oppose the rebels.37

Theodosius was saved by the coming of night. Withdrawing the army in the darkness, Theodosius retired to Duodia, where he punished the deserters in his traditional manner, burning some and cutting the hands off others.38 At the same time the rebels attempted a night attack on the Romans, but this was quickly driven back, some of the enemy being captured.39

Defeated in battle, Theodosius adopted an oblique approach, marching around the rebel forces and devastating the lands of the Isaflenses from an unexpected quarter. Yet he was not prepared to risk another direct confrontation with the enemy: having avenged to some degree his defeat, Theodosius now withdrew via Mauretania Caesarea to Sitifis.40

After a short period to recuperate – and possibly to gather fresh troops, although this is not mentioned by Ammianus – Theodosius renewed the attacks on the Isaflenses. This time he was victorious in a battle and Igmazen, king of the Isaflenses, grew weary of the conflict. According to Ammianus he sent secret messages to Theodosius stating that if Theodosius continued his attacks on the Isaflenses their resistance would collapse. Theodosius did as he had been advised and maintained the pressure on the tribe.41

Sensing that the will to resist was weakening amongst the Isaflenses, Firmus determined to escape, but Igmazen was keeping a close eye on him and before he could flee Igmazen took Firmus into custody.

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