Battle of Cannae 215 BCE.

The Second Punic War

After Lake Trasimene

• The Roman army was almost entirely wiped out.• Bad omens are seen in the city

• Ox jumps out of a second story window • Light in the sky in the form of ships • Temple struck by lightning • Two moons were seen • Stones fell out of sky

• The senate voted to have 3 days of religious observation and sacrifices to appease the gods.

Small Engagements

• For about two years there were small fights between Hannibal and Rome. • None were decisive. • Hannibal is not doing well:

• Low on food• Needs a decisive battle • He is out manned • He is in enemy territory

Cannae

Carthage • 50,000 men• Hannibal is the only

general. • His troops are seasoned

and loyal. • They have no where to

run.

Rome• 80,000 men• Two generals • Varro- impetuous, wants a

quick battle.• Aemilius- wants to wait

Hannibal out and win with numerous small victories.

Cannae

The Department of History, United States Military Academy

The Department of History, United States Military Academy