The Vandal army approaching the city cuts the aqueduct supplying it with water, and attempts to prevent provisions from arriving in the city.

Gelimer also dispatches agents to the city to undermine the loyalty of the inhabitants and the imperial army.

Belisarius, who is alert to the possibility of treachery, sets an example by impaling a citizen of Carthage who had intended to join the Vandals.

The greatest danger for defection comes from the Huns, who are disgruntled because they had been ferried to Africa against their will and fear being left here as a garrison.

Indeed, Vandal agents have already made contact with them, but Belisarius manages to maintain their allegiance—at least for the moment—by making a solemn promise that after the final victory they will be richly rewarded and allowed to return to their homes.

Their loyalty however remains suspect, and, like the Moors, the Huns probably await to see who will emerge as the victor and rally to him.