Hannibal Barca’s first major victory

Hannibal Barca was born in Carthage to the Barca family and he was the son of Hamilcar Barca which was one of the most successful military leaders at the time.

Hamilcar Barca thought his kids that one day they will defeat the Roman Republic.

After the Carthaginian general Hasdrubal also known as Hasdrubal the fair was assassinated by a Celtic slave, Hannibal was elected as Carthaginian general at age 26 years old, the young general immediately made plans to invade Rome.

Right after he was elected as the commander of the Carthaginian army he launched 2 successful campaigns in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal today) on his way back to new Carthage he was taken by surprise by a coalition of Iberian tribes. They blocked the bridge to the Tagus river and fortified it, while defending it with a large army. Here, Hannibal showed his military genius for the first time, instead of attacking head on, he erected his own fortified camp and waited.

By days and his scouts found a river crossing to the south-east.

during the late hours of the night, Hannibal ordered a small contingent of his army to stay in the camp and keep all campfires burning, creating an illusion that the whole Carthaginian army was still encamped, meanwhile he led his army on a swift flanking manoeuvre farther up the river.

By sunrise the next day, Hannibal was behind the Iberian position, feigning retreat towards New Carthage.

Thinking that the Carthaginians were retreating, the Iberians rushed to intercept them.

But once they midstream, Hannibal sprung his trap and unleashed his cavalry.

Iberian infantryman, chest-deep in the fast flowing river, couldn’t offer much resistance and were cut down with ease by the Carthaginian cavalry charge.

Those who managed to cross were trampled by the Carthaginian war Elephants.

By now the Iberian army lost all cohesion and the mass of tribal warriors started fleeing.

Hannibal ordered his army to pursue them across the river, completely routing the enemy.