Callicratidas vs Maharbal

Callicratidas besieged and captured the Athenian-held city of Methymna on Lesbos. He treated the captured garrison with unusual leniency, releasing them without ransom, which was noted as a contrast to typical Spartan harshness.

Callicratidas commanded the Spartan fleet against the Athenians at Arginusae. He was killed in the battle, and his fleet was defeated. His death was a major blow to Spartan naval ambitions and led to a temporary Athenian resurgence.

Callicratidas refused to seek financial support from the Persian prince Cyrus, stating that Spartans should not beg for money from barbarians. This principled stance limited his resources and contrasted with the pragmatic approach of his predecessor Lysander.

Maharbal commanded the Numidian cavalry on the right wing at the Battle of Cannae. His cavalry routed the Roman allied cavalry and then pursued them, preventing them from reforming. This contributed to Hannibal's encirclement and destruction of the Roman army.

After the Roman defeat at Cannae, Maharbal led a force to capture the Roman camp. He secured the camp and its supplies, completing the Carthaginian victory and preventing Roman survivors from regrouping.

After Cannae, Maharbal urged Hannibal to march on Rome immediately, reportedly saying he would feast in the Capitol within five days. Hannibal refused, a decision Maharbal criticized. This moment became famous as a missed opportunity to end the war.

Maharbal led Carthaginian forces to capture the city of Casilinum in Campania. The city fell after a siege, and Maharbal's forces secured the area for Hannibal's campaign in southern Italy.