Tyrant: Battles of Carthage versus Syracuse

About this expansion

Tyrant: Battles of Carthage versus Syracuse is a tactical simulation of combat between the armies of Carthage and Syracuse for 2–4 players, with games lasting about 360 minutes. Set between 480 and 276 B.C., it covers twelve decisive battles from the long struggle for supremacy in the Western Mediterranean.

The armies of Syracuse resemble the hoplite forces of the mainland Greek city-states, supported by stronger cavalry and a substantial mercenary corps that includes Greek and Western barbarian units. Carthage relies on North African tribal levies and barbarian mercenaries from across the Western Mediterranean, while its armies in Sicily are often reinforced by allied and mercenary Greek units.

Although Syracuse is generally more successful in open-field battles, Carthage benefits from greater wealth, political stability, and naval power. This combination keeps the conflict balanced over time, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage. The centuries-long contest ultimately remains unresolved until Rome emerges during the First Punic War.

The scenarios included in Tyrant span a wide range of historical confrontations:

• Himera, Second Himera, Akragas, and Gela
• Cabala, Cronium, Crimissos River, and Abolus River
• Mount Ecnomious, White Tunis, Tunis, and Lilybaeum

To play, you need Great Battles of Alexander, Deluxe Edition for its maps, basic rules, and some counters. Tyrant can also be played using the Simple Great Battles of History Rules, making it a focused way to explore the armies and battles of ancient Carthage and Syracuse.