The opposing army could have occupied high ground in either of two directions, yet it moves into a weaker position. Its cavalry tries to turn the Carthaginian flank, but cannot do so while the opposing cavalry remains intact and is already moving toward the Roman rear. Once the formation begins to fail, the Romans retreat downhill into a dip where the pursuers can charge from above. This game engagement makes terrain, flank security, and withdrawal routes easy to compare.
Chapter · 1:03:57-1:09:30
High ground matters only if the flanks and retreat route work
The Roman deployment gives up favorable terrain, loses control of its flanks, and retreats into ground that exposes it to a downhill attack.