The Battle of Ad Decimum

Date and Location

• Date: October 15, 533
• Location: Near Carthage, in present-day Tunisia

Context and Background

The Battle of Ad Decimum was a pivotal engagement during the Vandalic War, a conflict initiated by the Byzantine Empire to reclaim North Africa from the Vandal Kingdom. The Vandals, a Germanic tribe, had established a powerful kingdom in North Africa, with Carthage as its capital, after crossing into the region in the early 5th century. The Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, seeking to restore the territories of the former Western Roman Empire, dispatched his general, Belisarius, to lead the campaign against the Vandals.

Key Figures

• Belisarius: A renowned Byzantine general known for his strategic acumen and leadership. He was tasked by Emperor Justinian I with the mission to reclaim North Africa.
• Gelimer: The King of the Vandals, who had recently ascended to the throne. He faced the challenge of defending his kingdom against the Byzantine invasion.

The Battle

The battle took place at a location known as Ad Decimum, approximately ten miles south of Carthage. The name “Ad Decimum” refers to the “Tenth Milestone” on the road leading to Carthage.

Strategy and Tactics

• Byzantine Forces: Belisarius employed a strategic approach, dividing his forces into three main contingents to cover different routes and prevent the Vandals from concentrating their forces.
• Vandal Forces: Gelimer attempted to ambush the Byzantines by splitting his forces into three groups as well, intending to attack the Byzantines from multiple directions.

Course of the Battle

1. Initial Skirmishes: The battle began with skirmishes between the advance guard of the Byzantines and the Vandals. The Byzantine cavalry, led by John the Armenian, initially engaged the Vandal forces.
2. Main Engagement: As the main Vandal force, led by Gelimer, approached, they were met by Belisarius’s troops. The Vandals were caught off guard by the disciplined and well-coordinated Byzantine forces.
3. Turning Point: The death of Gelimer’s brother, Ammatas, during the battle demoralized the Vandal forces. Gelimer, upon discovering his brother’s body, was momentarily overcome with grief, which disrupted his command.

Outcome and Aftermath

• Byzantine Victory: The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Byzantines. The Vandals were unable to regroup effectively, leading to their retreat.
• Strategic Impact: The victory at Ad Decimum opened the path for the Byzantines to capture Carthage, which they did shortly after the battle.
• Long-term Consequences: The defeat at Ad Decimum marked the beginning of the end for the Vandal Kingdom. The subsequent capture of Carthage and further victories by Belisarius led to the re-establishment of Roman control over North Africa.

Historical Significance

The Battle of Ad Decimum was a significant milestone in Justinian’s campaign to restore the Roman Empire’s former territories. It showcased Belisarius’s military prowess and set the stage for further Byzantine successes in the Mediterranean region. The victory also demonstrated the effectiveness of Byzantine military strategy and contributed to the eventual decline of Vandal power in North Africa.