[p. 149] XXXVII. Mago, upon his return to Gades finding2 himself shut out of the city, put in with his fleet to Cimbii,3 a place not far from Gades. He sent emissaries and complained because the gates had been closed against him, an ally and friend. [3] The Gaditani tried to excuse themselves, saying it was done by a mob enraged on account of some looting committed by the soldiers as they were embarking. [4] He thereupon enticed their sufĕtes —the highest magistrates among the Phoenicians —together with the treasurer to a conference and ordered them to be scourged and crucified. Then he crossed over on his ships to the island of Pityusa,4 about a hundred miles from the mainland. [5] Carthaginians at that time inhabited the island; consequently the fleet was received on friendly terms, and not only were supplies generously furnished but young men to recruit the fleet, and arms also were given. [6] Relying upon these the Carthaginian crossed over to the Balearic Islands, fifty miles away.
There are two Balearic Islands,5 one larger and richer in arms and men. It has a harbour also, where Mago —and it was now the end of autumn —believed he could winter comfortably. But an attack was made on the fleet, just as if the inhabitants of the island were Romans. [7] The sling, now their most used weapon, was then their only one, and not a single man in any other tribe so excels in the art of using it as do all the Balearic Islanders in comparison with other peoples. Accordingly such a volley of stones, [p. 151]like the densest hail, was rained upon the fleet now6 approaching land that, not venturing to enter the harbour, they headed their ships out to sea. [8] Thereupon they crossed over to the smaller of the Balearic Islands, fertile in its land, not so strong in men and arms. [9] Disembarking, therefore, they pitched camp in a strong position above the harbour. And having gained possession of the city and its territory without a battle they enlisted two thousand auxiliaries from there, sent them to Carthage and beached their ships to spend the winter. [10] After Mago's retirement from the coast of the Ocean Gades surrendered to the Romans.