207 BC

207 BC was a year of the pre-Julian Roman calendar. It is designated as such by historians retrospectively.

Events

• Second Punic War:

  • The Battle of the Metaurus is fought in Italy. Roman forces led by consuls Gaius Claudius Nero and Marcus Livius Salinator decisively defeat the Carthaginian army led by Hasdrubal Barca, brother of Hannibal. Hasdrubal is killed in the battle. This defeat effectively ends Carthage's ability to reinforce Hannibal in Italy, significantly weakening their war effort.

• Qin Dynasty Collapse:

  • The Qin Dynasty in China continues to crumble following the death of Qin Shi Huang. The rebel leader Xiang Yu gains increasing influence.

• Seleucid Empire:

  • Antiochus III the Great continues his eastern campaigns.

• Roman Republic:

  • The construction of the Via Flaminia, a major Roman road, is completed.

Births

• Zheng Jian, Empress of China (d. 147 BC)

Deaths

• Hasdrubal Barca, Carthaginian general (killed in battle)
• Gisco, Carthaginian general

Significance

207 BC is primarily significant for the Battle of the Metaurus. This Roman victory is considered a turning point in the Second Punic War, effectively preventing Carthage from sending further reinforcements to Hannibal and ultimately leading to Rome's victory in the war. The year also saw the continued decline of the Qin Dynasty in China.