Mago has held control of Northern Italy…

Mago has held control of Northern Italy for nearly three years, warring with the mountain tribes and gathering troops.

The Romans have devoted seven legions to maintain watch over him and guard Northern Italy, but no general action has been fought.

In 204 BCE, Mago had been reinforced with six thousand infantry and some cavalry from Carthage.

The Romans had refused to give battle and blocked Mago so he couldn't reach Hannibal.

Wounded in a battle in Cisalpine Gaul, Mago is recalled back to Carthage along with Hannibal to aid in its defense, as the future Scipio Africanus major has shattered the armies of Hasdrubal Gisco, Hanno, son of Bomilcar, and has captured Syphax, who is allied to Carthage, in Africa.

Mago and his army sail from Italy in 202 BCE under the escort of the Punic fleet, and is unmolested by the Roman navy as he makes for Africa.

Before arriving in Carthage, however, he dies at sea.