Behind them came the long train of baggage protected by a strong rear guard.
At last they reached a fertile country, and were now in the land of the Vacaei and their allies.

Arbocala, now called Tordesillas, was captured without much difficulty.

The siege was then laid to Salamanca, the chief town of the enemy.

In the actual siege operations the Carthaginian horse took no part.

The place resisted vigourously, but the machines of Hannibal effected a breach in the walls, and the inhabitants, seeing that further resistance was impossible, offered to capitulate, stipulating that they should be allowed to depart unharmed, leaving behind them all their arms and their treasure.
The Carthaginian army were drawn up in readiness to march into the town as the Vacaei came out.