Battle of Cannae

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Definition

The Battle of Cannae (2 August 216 BCE) was the decisive victory of the Carthaginian army over Roman forces at Cannae, southeast Italy, during the Second Punic War (218-202 BCE). The Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca (l. 247-183 BCE), who was already known for his unorthodox tactics against Rome, counted on the Romans relying on the traditional tactics and formations which had worked so well for them in the past and used their very strengths to defeat them.

More about: Battle of Cannae

Timeline

  • Aug 216 BCE
    Hannibal wins the battle of Cannae, the worst defeat in Roman history.
  • 2 Aug 216 BCE
    The Battle of Cannae is fought between the forces of Carthage under Hannibal and those of Rome under Lucius Aemilius Paullus and Gaius Terentius Varro, ending in a decisive victory for the Carthaginians and one of the worst military defeats in Roman history. Hannibal 's tactics made him legendary and are still studied today.
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