Battle of Ilipa: Encyclopedia II - Battle of Ilipa - After-Battle Maneuvers

Battle of Ilipa - After-Battle Maneuvers

Although temporarily safe in their camp, the Carthaginians were not able make rest. Facing the inevitable Roman attack the next morning they were obliged to strengthen their defenses. But as more and more Spanish mercenaries deserted the Carthaginians as night drew forward Hasdrubal tried to slip away with his Africans in darkness.

But Scipio was not to repeat the mishap in Baecula. He immediately ordered a pursuit. Led by the cavalry, the whole Roman army was hot on Hasdrubal’s tail. When the Romans finally caught up with the Carthaginian host the butchery began, which left Hasdrubal with only 6,000 men, who then fled onto a mountain top without any water supply. This remnant of Carthaginian army surrendered a short time later, but not before Hasdrubal and Mago had made good their escape.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "After-Battle Maneuvers", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki