Q. Fabius Maximus Verrucosus, who had just been appointed dictator in late 218, planned to cut off Hannibal's route to potential winter quarters.
Hasdrubal worked with army-servants to tie bundles of wood to the horns of cattle.
This provided such a distraction that Hannibal was able to lead the main army with all its supplies through the pass without having to fight.
In the morning Hannibal sent his Spaniards to retrieve the spearmen who stayed with Hasdrubal to create the distraction.
At the Battle of Cannae Hasdrubal led the Spanish and Celtic cavalry on the left (north, near the Aufidus River) of the Carthaginian army.