Battle of Cannae

The Battle of Cannae was part of the second Punic War. It took place in central Italy.

Rome raised a huge army and successfully maneuvered against Hannibal and the Carthaginians. One of the consuls was more aggressive and attacked. Hannibal arrayed his army in a long line that caved in at the center while the wings enveloped the Romans. It turned into an all day slaughter, limited only by the speed that the Carthaginians could kill the trapped Romans.

Hannibal had a brief window to move on the city of Rome but failed to take advantage. The Romans quickly rebuilt an army and using Fabian tactics, wore down the Carthaginians, forcing them to return to Africa.