Publius Scipio was tasked with holding Hannibal in Spain and Gaul, which was the essential prerequisite for implementation of the next step: invasion of Africa; Spain was a secondary objective. The Gallic rebellion in Cisalpine Gaul delayed Scipio's arrival to Spain, and probably saved his army from destruction, as Hannibal had mobilized 87,000 – 102,000 soldiers and had moved slowly through Spain to meet and beat the Romans before marching for Italy, whereas Scipio had 24,600 soldiers.
Publius Scipio was tasked with restraining Hannibal in Spain and Gaul; this was essential for executing the next phase: invasion of Africa. Spain was a secondary objective. The Gallic rebellion in Cisalpine Gaul delayed Scipio's arrival to Spain, which might have prevented his army from being annihilated, as Hannibal had gathered 87,000 to 102,000 soldiers and moved slowly through Spain to confront the Romans before heading for Italy, whereas Scipio only had 24,600 troops.