|
The third century before the common era was a time of empire-making and empire-breaking especially in the western Mediterranean, where a conflict was brewing that would shape the future of the known world. |
Second Punic War (218-201BC)
(- threads, 48 posts)
 Hasdrubal and Mago Barca
Historical Thread
|
The second son of Hamilcar Barca, and younger brother of Hannibal, Hasdrubal was left in command of Spain when Hannibal departed to Italy (218 BC), he fought for six years against the brothers Gnaeus and Publius Cornelius Scipio. He had on the whole the worst of the conflict, and a defeat in 216 BC prevented him from joining Hannibal in Italy at a critical moment; but in 212 BC he completely routed his opponents, both the Scipios being killed. He was subsequently outgeneralled by Scipio Africanus, who in 209 BC captured Carthago Nova and gained other advantages. In the same year he was summoned to join his brother in Italy. He eluded Scipio by crossing the Pyrenees at their western extremity, and, making his way thence through Gaul and the Alps in safety, penetrated far into Central Italy (207 BC). He was ultimately checked by two Roman armies, and being forced to give battle was decisively defeated on the banks of the Metaurus. Hasdrubal himself fell in the fight; his head was cut off and thrown into Hannibal's camp as a sign of his utter defeat.
Mago Barca (243 BC - 203 BC), brother of the Carthaginian General Hannibal, he played a major role in the Second Punic War against Rome. Mago fought with Hannibal in the early Italian campaigns, and played a key role in major battles. Soon afterwards, along with Hamilcar, another brother, Mago moved on to command the Carthaginian forces in Spain. Defeat was suffered at Ilipa in 206 BC, however, and he soon retreated to Cádiz. He then led a campaign to invade Italy (this time by sea) in 205 BC with 15,000 men. They sailed from Minorca to Ligures. He managed to capture Genoa, and held control of Northern Italy for three years. Wounded in a battle in Cisalpine Gaul, he was recalled back to Carthage along with Hannibal to aid in its defence. Before arriving, however, he died at sea.
