After having made sufficient trial of their strength in these slight engagements, Hasdrubal first led out his forces for battle, and then the Romans also advanced.

But both the armies stood drawn up before their ramparts; and as neither party began the attack, and the sun was now going down, the Carthaginian first, and then the Roman, led back his troops into the camp.

The same occurred for several days.
The Carthaginian was always the first to lead out his troops into the field, and the first to give the signal for retiring, when they were weary with standing.

Neither party sallied from their posts, nor was a weapon discharged, or a word uttered.

On one side the Romans occupied the centre, on the other, the Carthaginians and Africans together; the allies occupied the wings, which were composed of Spaniards on both sides.