Hasdrubal : True Brother of Hannibal

Hasdrubal was the second son of Hamilcar Barca and brother of Hannibal, the famous Carthaginian general. Hannibal was much more famous and a legend of ancient history but Hasdrubal was also a great general and leader. He didn't get the fame as his brother did. Maybe Hannibal's fame overshadowed him. In this article I will try to discuss Hasdrubal's tragic but heroic end.

Hasdrubal Barca

Early life : Hasdrubal got his command in young age like Hannibal. He with their younger brother Mago accompanied Hannibal in his campaign against the Romans. The hatred for Rome was in his blood just like his brothers. Because of his capabilities Hannibal gave the command of Spain to him and went to his Italian campaign against Rome.

Pre-Italian Campaign : After departure of Hannibal, Hasdrubal protected Spain from Rome and their allies. Spain was the source of manpower and wealth which funded Hannibal's Italian campaign. He won victory against Romans in "Battle of The Upper Baetis"in 211 BC and secured the Iberia. After Hannibal won some famous victories against Romans and reached southern Italy, he called Hasdrubal to join him. Hannibal's plan was to attack Rome from both sides. From North Hasdrubal and from South Hannibal himself. After getting the message Hasdrubal marched from Spain towards Italy.

Hasdrubal Barca

Italian Campaign : Hasdrubal took the same route which his brother took earlier and crossed the Alps with elephants and reached Italy with his army in 207 BC. He recruited many Gallic tribes. So, his army was getting bigger day by day. We can see here he was a genius in this field and more successful than Hannibal. Hannibal couldn't recruit that much people which Hasdrubal recruited on his way. He sent message to Hannibal about his arrival but unfortunately the messenger was captured and Romans now got the whole picture of Hannibal's plan. They understood that they were in grave danger. If they allowed those two brothers to meet Rome would fall. They also knew the reputation of Hasdrubal. They already sent an army under Marcus Livius to stop Hasdrubal but after getting the message it was clear that Hasdrubal must be defeated otherwise there would be no Rome. So, they assembled an army quickly and marched towards Hasdrubal without any delay. Hasdrubal was waiting for Hannibal's response and his army was in a stand off with the roman army came to stop him. He had no idea about another roman army was coming in his way under Consul Claudius Nero. The Roman army reached at night and reinforced the previous army. Now they were ready.

Battle of The Metaurus : In the morning when Hasdrubal saw the roman army he understood he was fighting two Roman armies now. So, he tried to retreat to Gaul in the cover of night and establish communication with Hannibal for further planning. The guide he had betrayed him and left him near the river Metaurus. In the morning he saw his Gallic mercenaries were all drunk and the roman armies approaching.  The army was in total disarray and not ready for battle. The Romans routed the Carthaginian army. Many were captured or killed. Hasdrubal saw his army was lost so he did what a hero would do. He took his sword and ran to the roman army. He was killed and beheaded by the Romans. He didn't run from battlefield. He faced the enemy like a true son of Hamilcar Barca.

Battle of The Metaurus 

Aftermath : Romans delivered Hasdrubal's head to Hannibals's camp. With Hasdrubal's death Hannibal's plan of gaining total victory over Rome was shattered. He knew he lost the chance to win the war.  His army became demoralized and Romans started regaining their ground again. The tide had turned in the favor of Rome. 

Hasdrubal Barca

Conclusion : If Romans failed to defeat Hasdrubal that day, the history of Italy and Europe would be different. The Roman Empire which expanded throughout Europe, Asia and Africa may not be existed. Hasdrubal's death became the turning point of Second Punic War and changed the destiny of Rome and Carthage both.