Little is known of Hasdrubal's early life. He was present, along with his older brother Hannibal, when his father, Hamilcar, died in battle against Iberian tribes. Hamilcar may have drowned in the Jucar River, although the sources do not agree. Little is also known about Hasdrubal's activities during the time Hasdrubal the Fair led the Punic forces in Spain, or during the campaigns of Hannibal Barca in Spain and his Siege of Saguntum.