December 218 BC — the Second Punic War
Chapter I · Ad Portas — Ad Portas — the world on the eve.
This month
- Battle of the Trebia — Lured across the freezing river at dawn without breakfast, Sempronius’ legions are held in front and taken in the rear by Mago’s hidden two thousand. The Po valley is lost before the year ends. (Polybius 3.70–74; Livy 21.54–56)
- Victumulae sacked after the Trebia — The Roman trading post on the Po surrenders after the Trebia and is given over to the army; Livy records every kind of outrage. (Livy 21.57)
Where the commanders stand
- Philip V of Macedon: In Pella · king of macedon
- Hannibal Barca: Encamped at Battle of the Trebia · since Winter 218 BC
- Publius & Gnaeus Scipio: Winter quarters at Battle of Cissa · 218/17