40.32
The
Celtiberi who were in the rear were the first to catch sight of the flames; then
word ran through the whole line that the camp was lost and was burning
furiously. This increased the dismay of the enemy and the courage of the
Romans. On the one hand there were the cheers of their victorious
comrades, on the other the sight of the hostile camp in flames. The Celtiberi
were for a few moments uncertain what to do, but as there was no shelter
for them if they were defeated, and their only hope lay in keeping up the
struggle, they recommenced the fight with greater determination. Their
centre was being closely pressed by the fifth legion, but they advanced with
more confidence against the Roman left where they saw that their own
countrymen were posted, and it would have been repulsed had not the
seventh legion come up in support. The troops left to hold Aebura appeared
in the middle of the battle and Acilius was in the enemy's rear. Between the
two the Celtiberi were being cut to pieces; the survivors fled in all directions.
The cavalry were sent after them in two divisions and caused great slaughter
among them. As many as 23,000 men were killed that day, and 4700 were
made prisoners; 500 horses and 88 military standards were captured. It was
a great victory, but not a bloodless one. Out of the two legions rather more
than 200 Roman soldiers fell, 830 out of the Latin allies, and 2400 out of the
native auxiliaries. The praetor led his victorious army back to camp. Acilius
was ordered to remain in the camp he had captured. The following day the
spoils were collected, and those who had shown conspicuous bravery were
rewarded in the presence of the whole army.
