Battle of Cannae
Historical eventAbout
The Battle of Cannae, fought on August 2, 216 BC, was a pivotal engagement in the Second Punic War between the Roman Republic and Carthage. Led by Hannibal, the Carthaginian forces executed a brilliant double envelopment tactic, encircling and annihilating a much larger Roman army under consuls Lucius Aemilius Paullus and Gaius Terentius Varro. Despite being outnumbered, Hannibal's strategic genius and the discipline of his troops led to one of the most devastating defeats in Roman history. The battle resulted in massive Roman casualties, estimated between 55,000 to 70,000 soldiers, while Hannibal's forces suffered relatively minor losses. The aftermath saw widespread panic in Rome, but the city refused to surrender. Hannibal's victory at Cannae is studied for its tactical brilliance, yet his failure to capitalize on it by marching on Rome remains a strategic debate. The battle significantly influenced Roman military tactics and leadership, leading to future reforms and ultimate victory in the war.
