Battle of Grumentum

The Battle of Grumentum was fought in 207 BC between Romans led by Gaius Claudius Nero, and a part of Hannibal's Carthaginian army. The battle was a minor Roman victory, and Nero marched north where he defeated and killed Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal at Metaurus. The battle is described by Livy at 27.41-42.

Background

Upon Hannibal's descent from the alps he had for three years won an impressive string of victories against Rome The battle of Ticinus, Trebia, Trasimene and Cannae were some of the more notable victories that he'd won. These had been disastrous defeats for the Romans, especially the latter battle. This victory brought the Romans to the brink of despair. The Senate had issued a decree that forbade anyone to say the word, "Peace" within the city. Mourning was legislatively circumscribed to 30 days, women were not permitted to cry in the public venues. In spite of such measures, there was much despair in the city and some young Romans of high birth were proposing mass desertion from the army and establishment of a new colony elsewhere. The proposed defection was put down and all thoughts of surrender were circumscribed.