Battle of the Trebia facts for kids
The Battle of the Trebia was the first big battle of the Second Punic War. It happened in December 218 BC, near the Trebbia River in what is now Italy. This battle was fought between the powerful Carthaginian army, led by the famous general Hannibal, and the forces of the Roman Republic. It was a major victory for Hannibal and a tough start for the Romans in this long war.
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Hannibal's Journey to Italy
Before the battle, Hannibal led his army on an incredible journey. He marched his soldiers, including war elephants, all the way from Spain. They crossed the mighty Alps mountains, which was a very difficult and dangerous trip. Many soldiers and animals were lost during this journey.
Hannibal's goal was to attack Rome on its own land. He wanted to surprise the Romans and get their allies to join him. After crossing the Alps, he arrived in northern Italy. Here, he faced the first Roman armies sent to stop him.
The Roman Commanders
The Romans had two main generals in the area. One was Publius Cornelius Scipio, who had already fought a small battle with Hannibal. Scipio was injured, so he couldn't lead the main army.
The other general was Tiberius Sempronius Longus. He was eager to fight Hannibal and win a big victory. Sempronius Longus believed the Romans could easily defeat Hannibal's tired army.
Hannibal's Clever Plan
Hannibal was a very smart general. He knew the Roman general, Sempronius Longus, was impatient. Hannibal decided to use this to his advantage. He set a trap near the Trebbia River.
First, Hannibal sent out some of his cavalry (soldiers on horseback). They rode out early in the morning to provoke the Romans. The weather was very cold, and it had been raining or snowing. The Roman soldiers were hungry and not ready for a fight.
Sempronius Longus quickly ordered his army to cross the icy Trebbia River. The water was chest-deep and freezing. The Roman soldiers were tired and numb from the cold even before the battle began.
The Ambush
Hannibal had also hidden a large group of his soldiers. These soldiers, led by Hannibal's younger brother, Mago Barca, were hiding in a ditch or a dry riverbed. They were waiting for the perfect moment to attack.
As the main Roman army fought Hannibal's forces, Mago's hidden soldiers suddenly burst out. They attacked the Romans from behind. This surprise attack caused huge confusion and panic among the Roman ranks.
Results of the Battle
The Carthaginian forces of Hannibal completely defeated the Roman army. The battle took place on the banks of the Trebbia River.
The Romans suffered terrible losses. Between 26,000 and 32,000 Roman soldiers were killed or captured. This was a massive defeat for Rome.
In contrast, Hannibal's army lost far fewer soldiers. Only about 4,000 to 5,000 Carthaginian soldiers died. This big difference showed how effective Hannibal's tactics were. The victory at Trebia gave Hannibal a strong start in Italy and encouraged more people to join his side against Rome.
Images for kids
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Polybius -
Cisalpine Gaul in 218 BC, depicting the Gallic revolt and the Carthaginian invasion -
A Carthaginian cavalryman of Hannibal's army, as depicted in 1891 -
Hannibal -
Detail from the Ahenobarbus relief showing two Roman foot-soldiers from the second century BC -
Roman statuette of a war elephant recovered from Herculaneum -
Iberian warrior from bas-relief c. 200 BC. The warrior is armed with a falcata and an oval shield. National Archaeological Museum of Spain, Madrid
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See also
In Spanish: Batalla del Trebia para niños
