The Latin text from Sextus Julius Frontinus' Strategemata describes Gaius Fonteius Crassus breaking through an enemy trap in Spain. [1, 2]

The text is virtually identical in both locations, as Frontinus frequently repeats historical examples under different tactical thematic categories: Book 1, Chapter 5 covers "Escaping from difficult situations", while Book 4, Chapter 5 focuses on "Determination" (the will to victory). [1, 2, 3, 4]

The Latin Quotes

Stratagemata 1.5.12 [1]

"C. Fonteius Crassus in Hispania... per stationes hostium perrupit." [1]

Stratagemata IV.5.8 [1]

"C. Fonteius Crassus in Hispania... per stationes hostium erupit."
(Note: The only variation is the final verb—perrupit vs. erupit). [1, 2]

Full Latin texts can be found in the Loeb Classical Library edition of Frontinus' Stratagems. [1, 2]

English Translation

"Gaius Fonteius Crassus, when in Spain, having set out with three thousand men on a foraging expedition, was caught in an awkward position by Hasdrubal. At nightfall, when such a movement was least expected, communicating his plan only to the centurions of the first rank, he burst through the enemy's patrols." [1]

Context: "Why Brave, If Not Able?"

While Frontinus highlights this as a successful, daring maneuver, Fonteius was considered a standard, gritty military officer whose raw courage often outshone his strategic foresight—leading to characterizations of high bravery despite limited technical generalship. [1, 2]

If you are writing a paper or analyzing these texts, would you like to explore how other Roman generals escaped Hasdrubal's traps or look closer at Frontinus' themes on military deception?