e
by their immersion in the stream, and having come breakfastless from
camp, were forming their long order of battle, Hannibal's troops,
gathered round blazing fires, were eating a hearty breakfast; after
which, in high spirits and confidence, they prepared for the fight.

Hannibal called the officers together and addressed them in stirring
words, which were repeated by them to the soldiers. The Roman
preparations had occupied a long time, and it was afternoon before
they advanced in order of battle. When within a short distance of the
Carthaginians they halted, and the trumpets and musical instruments on
both sides blew notes of defiance. Then the Carthaginian slingers
stole out between the ranks of their heavy infantry, passed between the
elephants, and commenced the battle.

Each of these men carried three slings, one of which was used for long
distances, another when nearer to the foe, the third when close at hand.
In action one of these slings was wound round the head, one round the
body, the third carried in hand. Their long distance missiles were
leaden bullets, and so skilful were they that it is said they could hit
with certainty the face of a foe standing at slinging distance.

Naked to the waist they advanced, and with their long distance slings
hurled the leaden bullets at the Roman infantry. When closer they
exchanged their slings and discharged from them egg shaped pebbles which
they had gathered from the bed of the Trebia. When within still closer
distance with the third slings they poured in volleys of much larger and
heavier stones, with such tremendous force that it seemed as though they
were sent from catapults. Against such a storm of missiles the Roman
skirmishers could make no stand, and were instantly driven back.

Their Cretan archers, after shooting away their arrows with but small
effect, for the strings had been damped in crossing the river, also fled
behind the heavy troops; and these in turn were exposed to the hail of
stones. Disorganized by this attack, the like of which they had never
experienced before, their helmets crushed in, their breastplates and
shields battered and dented, the front line of the Romans speedily
fell into confusion. Sempronius ordered up his war machines for casting
stones and javelins, but these too had been injured in their passage
across the river.

The hail of Carthaginian missiles continued until the Roman light
infantry were forced to fall back; and the s