May 203 BC — the Second Punic War
Chapter VI · The ring closes — Metaurus & Ilipa — the ring closes.
This month
- Capture of Syphax — Cirta falls — Laelius and Masinissa ride into Numidia; Syphax’s horse throws him and he is taken in his chains before Cirta’s walls. The city opens its gates to Masinissa — and to Sophonisba. (Livy 30.11–12)
- Mago beaten in Insubria — Mago’s Gallic and Ligurian army is broken near Milan by two Roman armies; he takes a wound in the thigh that will kill him at sea. (Livy 30.18)
- The death of Sophonisba — Rather than walk in a Roman triumph, she drinks the poison Masinissa sends as his wedding gift. (Livy 30.12–15)
Where the commanders stand
- Philip V of Macedon: In Pella · king of macedon
- Syphax: Encamped at Cirta · since Spring 203 BC
- Masinissa: Encamped at Cirta · since Spring 203 BC
- Hasdrubal son of Gisco: In Carthage · since Spring 203 BC
- Mago Barca: Encamped at Insubria · since Spring 203 BC
- Q. Fabius Maximus: In Rome · princeps senatus
- Hannibal Barca: Operating in the region of the Bruttian redoubt · 4th year
- Publius Cornelius Scipio: Encamped at the Great Plains · since Spring 203 BC
- Hasdrubal Barca: fell here, June 207 BC
- M. Claudius Marcellus: fell here, June 208 BC
- Publius & Gnaeus Scipio: fell here, June 211 BC