Trebia: Hannibal’s First Shock

Rome vs Carthage

218 BC · Trebia River, Italy

Historical Briefing

At the Trebia in 218 BC, Hannibal lured a Roman army across the freezing river at dawn, then sprang a hidden force under his brother Mago against their rear. For Rome it was a hard first lesson: an unbroken, disciplined line could survive even a perfect ambush.

Tactical Lesson

Weather the opening blow, keep a key unit alive, and trade down Carthage's force.

Scenario Rules

  • Carthage attacks first each turn for the opening turns.

Objectives

  • ★1 Survive until turn 6
  • ★2 Keep a unit alive for 3 turns
  • ★3 Destroy 2 Carthage units

Battle Report

Rome learned at Trebia that an unbroken line can survive even a perfect ambush.