Battle of Cannae
The Battle of Cannae, fought in 216 BCE during the Second Punic War, is a significant historical event where the Carthaginian general Hannibal achieved a remarkable tactical victory against the Roman army. Hannibal led a force of approximately 25,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry, while the Romans, under commanders Lucius Aemilius Paullus and Gaius Terentius Varro, fielded about 68,000 infantry and 6,000 cavalry. The battle is notable for Hannibal's innovative use of a double envelopment strategy, which effectively encircled the Roman troops.
Despite being significantly outnumbered, Hannibal's forces executed the maneuver with precision, leading to devastating Roman casualties estimated at around 60,000, while Carthaginian losses were about 8,000. Although this victory did not secure overall success for Carthage in the war, it prolonged the conflict, delaying Roman dominance until their eventual victory over Hannibal in 201 BCE. The Battle of Cannae remains a critical study in military strategy and is often cited as one of the greatest tactical feats in history.
Battle of Cannae
Related civilizations: Republican Rome, Carthage.
Date: August 2, 216 b.c.e.
Locale: Cannae, Italy
Background
During the Second Punic War (218-201 b.c.e.), Hannibal of Carthage led his North African and Spanish army on an invasion of Italy and Rome. Cannae (KA-nee) was a major food and supply depot for the Roman army and was a vital logistical site for both armies.
Action
Some 68,000 infantry and 6,000 cavalry under the Roman leaders Lucius Aemilius Paullus and Gaius Terentius Varro attacked 25,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry led by Hannibal. Placing his elite African infantry and cavalry on the ends of his defensive line, Hannibal successfully directed a double envelopment. The center soldiers yielded backward, and with strategic timing, the end/flank troops attacked forward, resulting in the Romans being nearly surrounded, compacted in on themselves, and slaughtered. Estimates of casualties are 60,000 Roman and 8,000 Carthaginian.
Consequences
Cannae did not win the war for Carthage, but it kept the war going for several years until Roman armies under Scipio Africanus would eventually defeat Hannibal in 201 b.c.e.
Bibliography
Cattrell, Leonard. Hannibal, Enemy of Rome. New York: DaCapo Press, 1992.
Healy, Mark. Cannae 216 b.c. Oxford, England: Osprey, 2000.