To the former was intrusted the task of keeping Hannibal in check in Bruttium, while the duty of intercepting Hasdrubal was given to the latter.
The Carthaginian had already reached the neighborhood of the river Metaurus, a small stream south of the Rubicon.

From here he sent messengers to inform his brother of his approach and proposed line of march.

These messengers were captured by Nero, and the contents of their despatches learned.

He at once pushed north with his forces, joined Livius, met Hasdrubal on the METAURUS early in 207, and defeated his army with great slaughter.

Among the slain was Hasdrubal himself.