207 BCE battle of the Second Punic War in which the Romans led by Gaius Claudius Nero won a minor victory over a part of Hannibal's Carthaginian army
A minor engagement of the Second Punic War, the battle preceded Nero's decisive victory over Hasdrubal at the Metaurus River.
Key Facts
- Year
- 207 BC
- Carthaginian dead (per Livy)
- 8,000 soldiers
- Carthaginian prisoners (per Livy)
- 700 soldiers
- Roman dead (per Livy)
- 500 soldiers
- Follow-up clash casualties
- ~2,000 Carthaginians killed
- Ancient source
- Livy, 27.41–42
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Second Punic War, Hannibal's Carthaginian forces were operating in southern Italy. Roman consul Gaius Claudius Nero moved to contain them, seeking to prevent Hannibal from maneuvering freely before Nero turned north to face the threat of Hasdrubal's relief army crossing the Alps into Italy.
At Grumentum in 207 BC, Nero's Roman forces engaged a portion of Hannibal's army in what was a minor clash. Roman sources, notably Livy, greatly exaggerated the outcome, claiming 8,000 Carthaginian dead and 700 prisoners against only 500 Roman losses. A secondary irregular skirmish the following day reportedly killed another 2,000 Carthaginians.
Following the engagement, Nero marched north and joined forces against Hasdrubal, defeating and killing him at the Battle of the Metaurus River. This decisive victory prevented Hannibal from receiving vital reinforcements, effectively sealing the eventual Roman victory in the Second Punic War.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Gaius Claudius Nero.
Side B
1 belligerent
Hannibal Barca.