021 Metaurus River - Punic Wars

The battle of Metaurus River was one of the most important ( if not the most important battle) fought in the 2nd Punic wars. After his defeat at Baecula, Hasdrubal Barca had crossed the Alps in the spring of 207 and had penetrated into Northern Italy to bring much needed siege equipment and reinforcements to aid his brother Hannibal. Looking for a possible meeting with his brother Hasdrubal despatched a letter but the messenger was caught, so now Rome was aware of his intentions. The Roman Consuls Marcus Livius Salinator and Caius Claudius Nero secretly joined forces and planned a surprise attack near the river Metaurus. Aware that he was facing both consuls and that he was outnumbered by the combined Roman armies, Hasdrubal attempts to march off in the night to the north but missed his way or was led astray by his guides and was brought to bay by the pursuing Romans so is forced to give battle.