Metaurus, Battle of

In the Second Punic War, Roman victory over the Carthaginians 207 BC on the Metaurus River (now Metauro) in Italy, about 65 km/40 mi west of Ancona. This proved to be the decisive battle of the war, since it wrecked Hannibal's chances of overthrowing Rome and assured Roman military supremacy over Carthage.

A 40,000-strong Carthaginian army under Hasdrubal was marching inland to reinforce Hannibal. The relief force was attempting to find a ford to cross the river at dawn when they were surprised by a Roman army of about 50,000 troops. The Romans attacked immediately; Hasdrubal's force began to press the Roman right wing back. The Roman commander on the right wing, Nero, was unable to come to grips with the enemy due to the ground in front of his position. He abandoned the right wing, marched his force round the rear of the Roman line, and reinforced the left wing which then totally destroyed the Carthaginian force; Hasdrubal was among the Carthaginians slain.