A battle was fought in the entrance of the forum, with greater impetuosity than perseverance.

The Tarentines were not equal to the Romans in spirit, in their arms, in tactics, in activity or strength of body.

Accordingly, having just discharged their javelins, they turned their backs almost before they had joined battle, and escaped in different directions through the streets of the city, with which they were acquainted, to their own houses and those of their friends.
Two of their leaders, Nico and Democrates, fell while fighting bravely.

Philomenus, who was the author of the plot for betraying the city to Hannibal, rode away from the battle at full speed.

Shortly after, his horse, which was loose and straying through the city, was recognised, but his body could not be found any where.