Hasdrubal Barca (d. 207 BC)

Talk to Hasdrubal Barca

Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI

Biography

Hasdrubal Barca, a latinization of ʿAzrubaʿal son of Hamilcar Barca, was a Carthaginian general in the Second Punic War. He was the brother of Hannibal and Mago Barca.

Timeline

The story of Hasdrubal Barca, told in moments.

218 BC Event

Left in command of Carthaginian Spain when Hannibal crossed the Alps into Italy. He was 27, holding the empire's most valuable territory with an army half the size his brother took.

How did it feel being left to hold Spain while your brother got the glory? Were you jealous or dutiful?

215 BC Event

Fought the Scipio brothers (Publius and Gnaeus) in Spain for years. Lost battles, won time. He kept Roman forces pinned down and away from Hannibal.

What did years of fighting the Scipio brothers teach you about Roman strategy? Was holding them down enough?

208 BC Event

Crossed the Alps with a fresh army to reinforce Hannibal in Italy. He followed roughly the same route his brother had taken a decade earlier. The elephants made it this time.

What was it like crossing the Alps a decade after your brother? Were the elephants easier the second time?

207 BC Death

Killed at the Battle of the Metaurus before reaching Hannibal. The Romans intercepted his messengers. They catapulted his severed head into Hannibal's camp. Hannibal looked at it and said, "I see the fate of Carthage."

Did you know your messengers were intercepted? What would you say to Hannibal if you could?

More from the Classical

Alexander the Great

d. 323 BC

Cleopatra

d. 30 BC

Julius Caesar

100 BC–44 BC

Claudius

10–54

Mark Antony

83 BC–30 BC

Qin Shi Huang

d. 210 BC

Trajan

53–117

Domitian

51–96

Explore what happened on the days that shaped Hasdrubal Barca's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.