Battle of Cannae

Definition

The Battle of Cannae was a major military engagement fought on August 2, 216 BCE, during the Second Punic War between the Roman Republic and Carthaginian forces led by General Hannibal. This battle is renowned for Hannibal's brilliant tactics, where he encircled and decisively defeated a much larger Roman army, showcasing the vulnerabilities of Roman military strategy and significantly impacting the course of the conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The battle saw an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 Roman troops killed or captured, while Hannibal's forces numbered around 40,000.
2. Hannibal used a double-envelopment tactic at Cannae, luring the Romans into a trap and surrounding them from all sides.
3. This defeat shook Rome to its core and led to a temporary loss of morale among its citizens and soldiers.
4. In the aftermath of Cannae, several Roman allies in Italy switched sides to support Hannibal due to fear or persuasion.
5. Despite this significant victory, Hannibal ultimately could not capitalize on his success to capture Rome itself.

Review Questions

• How did Hannibal's tactics at the Battle of Cannae illustrate the weaknesses in Roman military strategy?
  • Hannibal's tactics at Cannae demonstrated how Roman reliance on sheer numbers could be exploited. By employing a double-envelopment maneuver, Hannibal was able to lure the Romans into a vulnerable position, encircling them and neutralizing their numerical advantage. This battle highlighted that despite Rome's military organization and discipline, it was susceptible to innovative strategies that could outmaneuver their forces.
• Discuss the immediate consequences of the Battle of Cannae on Rome's military strategy during the Second Punic War.
  • Following the catastrophic defeat at Cannae, Rome realized that their existing military strategies were inadequate against an unconventional opponent like Hannibal. In response, Rome shifted towards a strategy of attrition and avoided direct confrontation with Hannibal’s forces. They also began to strengthen their alliances and recruit new legions while focusing on defending key territories rather than launching offensive campaigns against Hannibal.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Battle of Cannae for both Rome and Carthage in shaping their futures post-Punic Wars.
  • The Battle of Cannae had profound long-term implications for both Rome and Carthage. For Carthage, despite winning this battle, the inability to follow up with a siege on Rome ultimately led to their downfall in subsequent battles. For Rome, Cannae became a lesson in military strategy that influenced future engagements. The Romans rebuilt their military structure based on lessons learned from this defeat and ultimately emerged stronger, leading to their eventual dominance over Carthage in the Second Punic War. The legacy of Cannae also contributed to changes in warfare tactics used by future military leaders.

Related terms

Hannibal Barca: A Carthaginian general who is best known for leading his army, including war elephants, across the Alps into Italy during the Second Punic War.

Second Punic War:

A major conflict fought between Rome and Carthage from 218 to 201 BCE, marked by significant battles including Cannae and culminating in Rome's eventual victory.

Roman Legion: The primary military unit of the Roman army, consisting of about 4,500 to 5,000 soldiers, known for its discipline, organization, and flexibility in combat.