Page:History of Greece Vol XII.djvu/441

 CARTHAGINIAN ARMY IN SICILY. 409 pnrerit success, when a reinforcement landed from Carthage — the expectation of which may perhaps have induced Hamilkar to refrain from any general attack. These new troops joined in the battle, coming upon the rear of the Greeks ; who were intim- idated and disordered by such unforeseen assailants, while the Carthaginians in their front, animated to more energetic effort, first repulsed them from the camp, and then pressed them vigor- ously back. After holding their ground for some time against their double enemy, the Greeks at length fled in disorder back to their own camp, recrossing the river Himera. The interval was between four and five miles of nearly level ground, over which they were actively pursued and severely handled by the Carthaginian cavalry, 5000 in number. Moreover, in crossing the river, many of them drank eagerly, from thirst, fatigue, and the heat of the weather ; the saltness of the water proved so de- structive to them, that numerous dead bodies are said to have been found unwounded on the banks.^ At length they obtained shelter in their own camp, after a loss of 7000 men ; while the loss of the victors is estimated at 500. Agathokles, after this great disaster, did not attempt to main- tain his camp, but set it on fire, and returned to Gela ; which was well fortified and provisioned, capable of a long defence. Here he intended to maintain himself against Hamilkar, at least until the Syracusan harvest (probably already begun) should be completed. But Hamilkar, having ascertained the strength of Gela, thought it prudent to refrain from a siege, and employed himself in operations for the purpose of strengthening his party in Sicily. His great victory at the Himera had produced the strongest effect upon many of the Sicilian cities, who were held to Agathokles by no other bonds except those of fear. Hamil- kar issued conciliatory proclamations, inviting them all to become his allies, and marching his troops towards the most convenient points. Presently Kamarina, Leontini, Katana,'Tauromenium, Messene, Abakgenum, with several other smaller towns and forts, sent to tender themselves as allies ; and the conduct of Hamil- kar towards all was so mild and equitable, as to give universal satisfaction. Agathokles appears to have been thus dispossessed ' Diodor. xix. 109. vor.. XII. 35