The army of Hasdrubal, which was the nearest of the Carthaginian armies, lay near the city Baecula.

Before his camp he had outposts of cavalry.

On these the light-armed, those who fought before the standards and those who composed the vanguard, as they came up from their march, and before they chose the ground for their camp, commenced an attack in so contemptuous a manner, that it was perfectly evident what degree of spirit each party possessed.

The cavalry were driven into their camp in disorderly flight, and the Roman standards were advanced almost within their very gates.

Their minds on that day having only been excited to a contest, the Romans pitched their camp.
At night Hasdrubal withdrew his forces to an eminence, on the summit of which extended a level plain.