Battle of Mammes

The Battle of Mammes, or Battle of Mamma was an engagement in either 534 or 535, in the Valley of Mamma, south of modern Aïn Djeloula, between the Byzantine Empire and Berbers rebels.

Following the Byzantine victory in the Vandalic War (533–534) in Africa, Byzantine general Belisarius returned to Constantinople, however, he anticipated that Berbers would revolt on his departure. Before his departure, he placed most of his bucellarii under Solomon's command and instructed him to put down the rebellion. The Berbers revolted upon the news of Belisarius's departure and began raiding and pillaging Byzacena. In spring 535, Solomon, along with reinforcements, led his troops to counter the Berber forces. The Berbers used a circle of camels to disrupt the Byzantine cavalry. The Byzantines then dismounted and attacked from the weaker flank, breaking the Berbers' lines. The Byzantines won decisively, reportedly slaughtering 10,000 Berbers and enslaving the women and children trapped at the center of the camel ring.