The Battle of the Trebia

(December, 218 BC) Wiki

Known of: This was Rome's first proper test against Hannibal Barca of Carthage, and it failed miserably.
Location: Trebia
Result: Decisive Carthagian victory
Unique unit in the game: Roman legion


Hannibal set up camp from across the river Trebia from the Roman camp under consul Sempronius, and at the same time sent a detachment under his brother Mago to hide in the underbrush.

On a snowing winter day, a goaded Sempronius marched his heavy infantry over the freezing cold waters of the river to face a well-prepared Carthaginian army. Unable to even hold their weapons properly, the Roman offense was shattered. With the bulk of legionnaires on the other side of the river, the Roman cavalry chased off, and Mago's detachment cutting the retreat, it was a massacre.

Battle of Trebia map

Sides Carthagians Romans
Leader Hannibal, Mago Sempronius
Army