IX: In the Field explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• War and Destruction

  The chapter details the ravaging of fields, burning of houses, and the brutal execution of captives, illustrating the destructive nature of war.

• Power and Corruption

  Hamilcar faces political opposition and betrayal from the Great Council and patricians, who prioritize their own interests over the war effort.

• Religious Fanaticism and Sacrifice

  The city's religious frenzy, the turning from Tanith to Moloch, and the ritualistic execution of captives highlight the theme of fanaticism.

• Fate and Divine Retribution

  The priests interpret Hamilcar's setbacks as punishment for his impiety, and the people see the loss of Tanith's veil as a sign of divine disfavor.

Characters to notice

• Hamilcar Barca

  Hamilcar attempts to pacify the tribes and isolate the Mercenaries, but faces political opposition in Carthage and struggles with dwindling supplies and reinforcements.

• Matho

  Matho is driven by the genius of Moloch, performing destructive acts and urging his allies to hasten, while struggling with the morale of his troops.

• Spendius

  Spendius is urged by Matho to make haste, but his operations are hampered by Hamilcar's elusive tactics.

• Autaritus

  Autaritus refuses the Carthaginian offer to exchange captives, fearing a snare, and his camp becomes a refuge for displaced women.

• Narr'Havas

  Narr'Havas's horsemen are ordered by Matho to drive away the women following the army, using lances.

• Hanno

  Hanno's partisans exaggerate Hamilcar's victory to undermine him, contributing to the political opposition.

• Gisco

  Gisco is mentioned as the aged Carthaginian captive that Hamilcar sought to exchange for Barbarian prisoners.

Key passages

• “The situation was intolerable, especially owing to the thought that it would become worse.”

  The current state of affairs was unbearable, and the fear that it would only deteriorate made it even harder to endure.

  Describes the mood in Carthage after the disaster.

• “He ought to have annihilated the Mercenaries after his victory. Why had he ravaged the tribes?”

  He should have wiped out the Mercenaries after winning; instead, he wasted effort attacking the tribes.

  Criticism of Hamilcar's strategy by the Carthaginian populace.

• “The sight of them was unmanning the Barbarians; they were an embarrassment and a peril.”

  The presence of the women and children was demoralizing the Mercenaries, making them a liability and a danger.

  Describes the effect of the camp followers on the Barbarian army.

• “Just now he was invaded by the genius of Moloch. In spite of the rebellion of his conscience, he performed terrible deeds, imagining that he was thus obeying the voice of a god.”

  Matho was possessed by the spirit of Moloch, and despite his inner resistance, he committed horrific acts, believing he was following a divine command.

  Matho's psychological state and religious motivation.

• “The two thousand Barbarians were tied to the stelae of the tombs in the Mappalian quarter; and traders, scullions, embroiderers, and even women—the widows of the dead with their children—all who would, came to kill them with arrows.”

  The two thousand captives were bound to tomb markers, and anyone from the city—merchants, servants, artisans, even widows and children—came to shoot them with arrows.

  The public execution of the captives as a communal act of vengeance.