Battle of Baecula
Santo Tomé, Jaén, Spain
What happened
A Roman army with Iberian allies under Publius Cornelius Scipio attacked the Carthaginian army of Hasdrubal Barca, Hannibal's brother. Hasdrubal camped on a steep plateau. After waiting two days, Scipio's light troops pushed up the lower slope while his heavy infantry attacked the sides of the main camp. Hasdrubal escaped with his elephants, his baggage and part of his army.
Why it matters
It was a Roman victory in Iberia, and many Iberian tribes switched to Rome's side. But Scipio could not stop Hasdrubal from leaving to join Hannibal in Italy.
What came next
Hasdrubal crossed the Alps in 207 BCE but was defeated at the Metaurus before he could meet Hannibal. Scipio's victory at Ilipa in 206 BCE sealed the fate of Carthage in Iberia.
Did you know?
Many Roman soldiers stopped to loot the Carthaginian camp instead of chasing Hasdrubal, which helped him get away.
Timeline
- Spring 208 BCEBattle of Baecula.
- 207 BCEHasdrubal crosses the Alps and is defeated at the Metaurus.
- 206 BCEBattle of Ilipa.
- October 202 BCEBattle of Zama ends the war.