Battle of the Metaurus
Metaurus River near Montemaggiore al Metauro, Marche, Italy
What happened
Roman consuls Gaius Claudius Nero and Marcus Livius Salinator fought the Carthaginian army of Hasdrubal Barca, Hannibal's younger brother. In the Second Punic War, Hasdrubal crossed the Alps from Spain to join his brother Hannibal in Italy, but his messengers were captured. The Roman consul Nero secretly marched north with picked troops to join the other consul's army. Hasdrubal tried to retreat at night, lost his way, and was trapped against the river, where his army was defeated and he fell.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended Carthage's attempt to send help to Hannibal and confirmed Roman control of Italy. Hannibal had to give up towns in southern Italy.
What came next
Hannibal withdrew to Bruttium in the far south and stayed there for four years.
Did you know?
Hasdrubal realised the Romans had been reinforced when he heard a second Roman trumpet call in their camp.
Timeline
- 218 BCEHannibal marches for Italy, leaving Hasdrubal in Spain.
- Spring 207 BCEHasdrubal crosses the Alps into Italy.
- 24 June 207 BCEThe Romans win at the Metaurus.