Hasdrubal Barca
d. 207 BC
 |
| A MESSENGER WARNS OF HASDRUBAL'S APPROACH |
Hasdrubal Barca, brother of Hannibal, was the commander of the Carthaginian empire in Spain during the Second
Punic War. After the battle of Cannae,
Rome turned its efforts to attacking Carthage's empire in Spain, in order to prevent re-enforcements from
getting to Hannibal in Italy. Hasdrubal
was involved in all of these battles, often with the elder Scipio brothers. The strategy of keeping
Hasdrubal tied up in Spain was very
effective, and it wasn't until 207 that he finally crossed the Alps with re-enforcements for Hannibal.
At the Metaurus River, Hasdrubal's army was
defeated, Hasdrubal himself was killed, his head was cut off and thrown into Hannibal's camp.
The defeat of Hasdrubal is often considered the
decisive loss for Carthage in the war, because it prevented Hannibal from ever receiving the
re-enforcements he needed from Carthage in order
to continue to prosecute his war in Italy.
Hasdrubal was also the father of Sophosbina, a maiden who was betrothed to both Masinissa,
King of Numidia, and his arch rival Syphax. When
Masinissa went over to the Roman side in 206, the Romans insisted that he repudiate her.
Instead he sent her poison, and she killed herself.
Key events during the life of Hasdrubal Barca:
| Year |
Event |
| 218 BC |
Took command of Carthaginian forces in Spain, when Hannibal crossed the Alps. |
| 216 BC |
Scipio brothers prevent Hasdrubal from joining Hannibal with re-enforcements after Cannae. |
| 211 BC |
Scipio brothers are both killed in skirmishes in Spain. Scipio Africanus takes command of Roman forces. |
| 209 BC |
Scipio Africanus takes city of New Carthage. |
| 208 BC |
Scipio Africanus drives Hasdrubal out of Spain, but he escapes with most of his forces. |
| 207 BC |
Claudius Nero meets Hasdrubal at Metaurus River. Hasdrubal is killed in the battle, and his head delivered to Hannibal. |
Other Resources
Image Links |
|---|
Hasdrubal's Head
in Hannibal
|
| Contemporary |
Short Biography |
| Hannibal |
Carthaginian general, invaded and laid waste to Italy for sixteen years. |
| Cornelius Scipio |
Tried to intercept Hannibal in Gaul, but was defeated at Ticino River and Trebbia. |
| Scipio Africanus |
Roman hero of second Punic War. Led armies in Spain and Africa. Defeated Hannibal at Zama. |
| Claudius Nero |
consul who led Rome against Hasdrubal at Metaurus River. |
| Sophonisba |
Masinissa's wife, daughter of Hasdrubal, who killed herself, when Rome insisted he divorce her. |
