The battle of the Trebbiawhich took place on 18 December 218 BC, was a crucial episode during the Second Punic War: Hannibal, the great Carthaginian leader, was invading Italy. On that cold day, in the rain and snow, Hannibal crossed the Oltrepò Pavese in search of a decisive victory.
The Carthaginian army faced the Roman troops commanded by consuls Tiberius Sempronius Longus and Lucius Porcius Licinus, once again demonstrating its tactical and strategic brilliance.
The Roman defeat and retreat to Piacenza
The Battle of Ticino had just ended with a clear victory for the Carthaginian cavalry and the wounding of the consul Publius Cornelius Scipio. The Romans, led by the consuls Longo and Licino, were forced to retreat to the colony of Piacenza to reorganise their forces and recover from their losses. During this retreat, Hannibal and his army found refuge in the Oltrepò Pavese, a land that offered shelter and the necessary resources to continue their military campaign.
The support of the Ligurian tribes
At that time, the Apennines of Pavia were inhabited by Ligurian tribes, proud and courageous people who resisted the Roman invasion. When Hannibal crossed the region, the Ligurians saw him as an ally against the Roman oppressor and offered him logistical support and information about the territory. The Ligurian tribes provided Hannibal with food, shelter and strategic information, facilitating his crossing of the Oltrepò Pavese and making it difficult for the Romans to pursue him.
Hannibal's road: a historical trail
To follow in Hannibal's footsteps across the Oltrepò Pavese there is now a route known as the Hannibal Road. This mule track, which starts in Brallo di Pregola and leads to Cima Colletta and Mount Lesima, and then descends into the picturesque Val Trebbia, allows those who cross it to immerse themselves in history and relive the steps of the ancient leader. Along the route it is possible to admire the breathtaking landscapes and discover the places that Hannibal and his army passed through during their military campaign.
Legends and folk tales
The figure of Hannibal, which has become an integral part of local folklore, is surrounded by many stories and legends that testify to the historical importance of his passage through the Oltrepò Pavese. According to one of them, Hannibal, on his way through the Oltrepò, was so fascinated by the beauty of the valley that he called it "Scuro passo", which in Punic means "enchanted place". Even the great Condottiero was enchanted by this truly unique area.
According to another legend, the Carthaginian leader, camped with his army in the Trebbia Valley, climbed Mount Lesima and injured his hand: hence lesa manus, and hence Lesima.
Physical traces of Hannibal's passage
There are many physical traces of Hannibal's passage through the territory of Oltrepò Pavese. For example, in Casteggio, a municipality outside the territory of the Mountain Community of Oltrepò Pavese, there is Hannibal's Fountain, a place where, according to tradition, the Carthaginian leader's elephants quenched their thirst. Today it is still possible to admire this well and imagine the leader and his army resting and refreshing themselves with fresh water.
