Battle of Cremona (200 BC)

The Battle of Cremona was fought in 200 BC between the Roman Republic and Cisalpine Gaul. The Roman force was victorious.

During the end of the Second Punic War, tribes in Cisalpine Gaul rebelled against the Republic, sacking the city of Placentia. The man governing the area, Lucius Furius Purpurio, following senatorial orders, disbanded all but 5,000 men in his army and took up defenses at Ariminum. Upon the arrival of the consular army of Gaius Aurelius to their aid, the 5,000 soldiers were moved to Etruria. On the following day, the Gallic army of 35,000, led by a man of the name Hamilcar, began the battle. They attempted to overwhelm the right flank of the Roman army with speed and numbers. Having failed in this task, they then failed to flank both wings of the Romans, for Purpurio had lengthened his flanks and called up legionary support. Now counterattacking all sides, Purpurio's men suppressed the Gallic flanks and broke their center ranks, soon routing the enemy completely and killing or capturing over 35,000, including the commander, Hamilcar.

See also

• Roman Republican governors of Gaul

Bibliography

• Livy; Henry Bettenson (Editor) (1976). Ab vrbe condita Book XXXI. London: The Penguin Group