Border Reiver Show 2025

The Battle of the Metaurus River 207 BC

Hannibal was awaiting re-enforcements to bolster his army currently in southern Italy. 

He was faced by the legions of Gaius Claudius Nero. 

His brother Hasdrubal had assembled an army and followed in Hannibal's footsteps

 and marched across the Alpine passes heading southwards alone the eastern coastline.

Consul Marcus Livius, accompanied by Praetor Lucius Porcius Licinus

was attempting to prevent Hasdrubal joining with his brother.

Nero had deceived the master of deception, Hannibal and force marched 7000 men north.

They crept into the camp of Livius prior to the day of battle.

Morning trumpets heralded the awakening of the legions. 

Two blasts loudly announced the presence of both generals in the field! How so ?

Would the gods reward the Roman General's intrepid ruse? 

All will be revealed.

                                       

Our game display

A wonderful replica of a gladius sword, originally of Iberian origin !

Nero's Legion in the background facing off the

 Gallic left of Hasdrubal's army on top of a rugged ridge. 

The River Metaurus on the left bounded this part of the battlefield

       

The center of the Carthaginian line with 

elephants and light infantry in the front line.

Gallic warriors support in the second line

 with dependable Spaniards in the third line.

Opposite the Carthaginian center were the legionaries of Livius

Hasdrubal's right was composed of African veterans and Iberian warriors.

The open flank was guarded by Numidian light cavalry who

 were greatly outnumbered by their opposing Roman cavalry.

Our game had just under 2000 figures. 

The battle commenced with both lines eager to engage.

All except the gallic left flank of Hasdrubal ! Tired, drunk of just disinterested ?

They held their position atop a ridge which was perfectly secured

 to its front by ravines and broken ground. Why engage lower down the slopes ?

Wiley Nero wasn't going to bash his head against such a strong position though.

Screening the ravine, he again forced marched his men on a 

route that would end up as a decisive war winning move. 

Behind the confusion of the engaged battlelines, legions

 against the mighty Carthaginian war elephants, 

fearsome African spearmen and Iberian warriors.

He lead them ever off to the left wing of the army.

... and what of the outnumbered Numidian cavalry screen ?

brave but overwhelmed, they bought a heavy price

 for the ground but they retired and fled the field.

Which left the troops of Gaius Nero the open flank !

Unopposed, the legions flanked the lines of Hasdrubal's infantry.

A great show, we really enjoyed meeting lots of show friends !

Thank you to the organisers again and a big shout out to

 those ladies who kept the hoards fed with delicious pies, sandwiches and cakes.

This game is the first of our trilogy of Punic War games. 

Catch us at Battleground Show at Middlesbrough 29th November then Carronade, Falkirk next May.