Roman History 05 - The Punic Wars 2 225 - 200 BC

[Music] [Music] hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode 23A the war with Rome episode 23A the war with Rome episode 23A the war with Hannibal Rome had laid its ultimatum at Hannibal Rome had laid its ultimatum at Hannibal Rome had laid its ultimatum at the feet of the carthaginian Senate the feet of the carthaginian Senate the feet of the carthaginian Senate after Hannibal had laid Siege to suum in after Hannibal had laid Siege to suum in after Hannibal had laid Siege to suum in Spain if the carthaginians did not Spain if the carthaginians did not Spain if the carthaginians did not immediately recall Hannibal from the immediately recall Hannibal from the immediately recall Hannibal from the field and cease their aggressive field and cease their aggressive field and cease their aggressive operations Rome would declare war operations Rome would declare war operations Rome would declare war the carthaginians declined to do as the the carthaginians declined to do as the the carthaginians declined to do as the Romans asked and both sides immediately Romans asked and both sides immediately Romans asked and both sides immediately began to prepare for began to prepare for began to prepare for battle the Roman consules for the year battle the Roman consules for the year battle the Roman consules for the year Cornelius skipio father of the famous Cornelius skipio father of the famous Cornelius skipio father of the famous skipio Africanus and sanus longus began skipio Africanus and sanus longus began skipio Africanus and sanus longus began to raise Legions with the intention of to raise Legions with the intention of to raise Legions with the intention of simultaneously attacking both Spain and simultaneously attacking both Spain and simultaneously attacking both Spain and North Africa but in Spain Hannibal was North Africa but in Spain Hannibal was North Africa but in Spain Hannibal was making preparations of his own that making preparations of his own that making preparations of his own that would throw the Roman War plan into would throw the Roman War plan into would throw the Roman War plan into complete complete complete disarray he formulated a bold strategy disarray he formulated a bold strategy disarray he formulated a bold strategy to break the Romans by way of a direct to break the Romans by way of a direct to break the Romans by way of a direct invasion of Italy the Romans were invasion of Italy the Romans were invasion of Italy the Romans were worried about gallic opportunism on worried about gallic opportunism on worried about gallic opportunism on their northern border but did not their northern border but did not their northern border but did not anticipate a full-fledged carthaginian anticipate a full-fledged carthaginian anticipate a full-fledged carthaginian Invasion at all Hannibal amassed a force Invasion at all Hannibal amassed a force Invasion at all Hannibal amassed a force of 90,000 infantry 12,000 Cavalry and 67 of 90,000 infantry 12,000 Cavalry and 67 of 90,000 infantry 12,000 Cavalry and 67 war elephants at new Carthage and in war elephants at new Carthage and in war elephants at new Carthage and in April of 218 BC set out on a campaign April of 218 BC set out on a campaign April of 218 BC set out on a campaign that would ultimately last 17 that would ultimately last 17 that would ultimately last 17 years his first task was to Simply make years his first task was to Simply make years his first task was to Simply make it out out of Spain the carthaginians it out out of Spain the carthaginians it out out of Spain the carthaginians only controlled about half the country only controlled about half the country only controlled about half the country and the march to the Pyrenees was a and the march to the Pyrenees was a and the march to the Pyrenees was a difficult one Hannibal had no time for

difficult one Hannibal had no time for difficult one Hannibal had no time for prolonged sieges and was forced to prolonged sieges and was forced to prolonged sieges and was forced to directly assault the cities he passed directly assault the cities he passed directly assault the cities he passed suffering heavy casualties as a result suffering heavy casualties as a result suffering heavy casualties as a result before passing into modern day France before passing into modern day France before passing into modern day France Hannibal released the less reliable Hannibal released the less reliable Hannibal released the less reliable elements of his Spanish infantry and elements of his Spanish infantry and elements of his Spanish infantry and passed into Gaul with a force of about passed into Gaul with a force of about passed into Gaul with a force of about 50,000 in Rome Hannibal's movements 50,000 in Rome Hannibal's movements 50,000 in Rome Hannibal's movements passed without notice sanus longest was passed without notice sanus longest was passed without notice sanus longest was in Sicily preparing a fleet for the in Sicily preparing a fleet for the in Sicily preparing a fleet for the invasion of Africa and skipio was in invasion of Africa and skipio was in invasion of Africa and skipio was in North Italy raising a fleet of his own North Italy raising a fleet of his own North Italy raising a fleet of his own for the attack on Spain neither for the attack on Spain neither for the attack on Spain neither suspecting that in a matter of months suspecting that in a matter of months suspecting that in a matter of months they would both be fighting for their they would both be fighting for their they would both be fighting for their lives in the icy SLE of the po lives in the icy SLE of the po lives in the icy SLE of the po valley skipio set out for Rome with two valley skipio set out for Rome with two valley skipio set out for Rome with two Legions and after 5 days at Sea put into Legions and after 5 days at Sea put into Legions and after 5 days at Sea put into port at Melia on the Eastern banks of port at Melia on the Eastern banks of port at Melia on the Eastern banks of the Rome River as soon as he put in the Rome River as soon as he put in the Rome River as soon as he put in though he received word that not only though he received word that not only though he received word that not only had Hannibal broken out of Spain but he had Hannibal broken out of Spain but he had Hannibal broken out of Spain but he had already reached the rone himself and had already reached the rone himself and had already reached the rone himself and was just a few miles up the road skia was just a few miles up the road skia was just a few miles up the road skia was shocked by this development and was shocked by this development and was shocked by this development and immediately sent a Cavalry unit out to immediately sent a Cavalry unit out to immediately sent a Cavalry unit out to investigate sure enough they found investigate sure enough they found investigate sure enough they found Hannibal on the West Bank of the river a Hannibal on the West Bank of the river a Hannibal on the West Bank of the river a light Skirmish of no consequence ensued light Skirmish of no consequence ensued light Skirmish of no consequence ensued that served only to alert hanal to the that served only to alert hanal to the that served only to alert hanal to the fact that the Romans were now officially fact that the Romans were now officially fact that the Romans were now officially on to him he moved with all haste to on to him he moved with all haste to on to him he moved with all haste to cross the thousand yard wide river and cross the thousand yard wide river and cross the thousand yard wide river and was not helped by the army of angry gs was not helped by the army of angry gs was not helped by the army of angry gs on the opposite Shore who were not on the opposite Shore who were not on the opposite Shore who were not inclined to allow this foreign army into inclined to allow this foreign army into inclined to allow this foreign army into their territory their territory their territory but Hannibal flashing the first signs of but Hannibal flashing the first signs of but Hannibal flashing the first signs of his tactical Brilliance lured the Galls his tactical Brilliance lured the Galls his tactical Brilliance lured the Galls into a trap and broke them apart with into a trap and broke them apart with into a trap and broke them apart with little difficulty the way clear he

little difficulty the way clear he little difficulty the way clear he quickly crossed the remainder of his quickly crossed the remainder of his quickly crossed the remainder of his army and marched on towards the Alps army and marched on towards the Alps army and marched on towards the Alps which were the only things standing which were the only things standing which were the only things standing between him and between him and between him and Italy when skipio arrived with his Italy when skipio arrived with his Italy when skipio arrived with his Legions the fires of the carthaginian Legions the fires of the carthaginian Legions the fires of the carthaginian camp were still smoldering but the Army camp were still smoldering but the Army camp were still smoldering but the Army was was was gone the consul decided against a gone the consul decided against a gone the consul decided against a Pursuit which would have taken his two Pursuit which would have taken his two Pursuit which would have taken his two Legions into an unknown and unfriendly Legions into an unknown and unfriendly Legions into an unknown and unfriendly territory to catch a much larger territory to catch a much larger territory to catch a much larger carthaginian Army the odds were against carthaginian Army the odds were against carthaginian Army the odds were against skipio so he made the decision to send skipio so he made the decision to send skipio so he made the decision to send the legions on to their initial the legions on to their initial the legions on to their initial objective in Spain while he himself objective in Spain while he himself objective in Spain while he himself returned to Italy to brace the northern returned to Italy to brace the northern returned to Italy to brace the northern border for Hannibal Invasion the Roman border for Hannibal Invasion the Roman border for Hannibal Invasion the Roman plan to fight the war in Spain and plan to fight the war in Spain and plan to fight the war in Spain and Africa would move forward but skipio Africa would move forward but skipio Africa would move forward but skipio knew that the war was about to reach an knew that the war was about to reach an knew that the war was about to reach an early decisive moment and wanted to be early decisive moment and wanted to be early decisive moment and wanted to be on hand to ensure a favorable on hand to ensure a favorable on hand to ensure a favorable outcome Hannibal's Passage through the outcome Hannibal's Passage through the outcome Hannibal's Passage through the Alps is one of the most famous events in Alps is one of the most famous events in Alps is one of the most famous events in world history and with good reason not world history and with good reason not world history and with good reason not only did the 15-day Crossing come as the only did the 15-day Crossing come as the only did the 15-day Crossing come as the snow was beginning to set in making snow was beginning to set in making snow was beginning to set in making traversing the Peaks difficult and traversing the Peaks difficult and traversing the Peaks difficult and nearly impossible but Hannibal's Army nearly impossible but Hannibal's Army nearly impossible but Hannibal's Army was forced to constantly fend off bands was forced to constantly fend off bands was forced to constantly fend off bands of hostile of hostile of hostile natives The Passage would have been hard natives The Passage would have been hard natives The Passage would have been hard enough in a small self-contained party enough in a small self-contained party enough in a small self-contained party but Hannibal had to oversee ,000 men and but Hannibal had to oversee ,000 men and but Hannibal had to oversee ,000 men and a supply train of pack animals and did I a supply train of pack animals and did I a supply train of pack animals and did I mention that he had 67 elephants in to mention that he had 67 elephants in to mention that he had 67 elephants in to the logistical nightmares alone were the logistical nightmares alone were the logistical nightmares alone were enough to dissuade even the most daring enough to dissuade even the most daring enough to dissuade even the most daring of generals from even contemplating the of generals from even contemplating the of generals from even contemplating the attempt and that's why the Romans were attempt and that's why the Romans were attempt and that's why the Romans were in disbelief when reports began to in disbelief when reports began to

in disbelief when reports began to arrive that a carthaginian army would arrive that a carthaginian army would arrive that a carthaginian army would shortly be emerging from the shortly be emerging from the shortly be emerging from the mountains Hannibal fought one major mountains Hannibal fought one major mountains Hannibal fought one major pitch battle against the Galls near the pitch battle against the Galls near the pitch battle against the Galls near the summit and on The Descent was forced to summit and on The Descent was forced to summit and on The Descent was forced to literally carve a path out of the rocks literally carve a path out of the rocks literally carve a path out of the rocks to accommodate the pack animals and to accommodate the pack animals and to accommodate the pack animals and elephants his men spent night simply elephants his men spent night simply elephants his men spent night simply huddled around each other on the ground huddled around each other on the ground huddled around each other on the ground trying not to drop dead from exhaustion trying not to drop dead from exhaustion trying not to drop dead from exhaustion or freeze to death supplies were low and or freeze to death supplies were low and or freeze to death supplies were low and hunger was high but through it all the hunger was high but through it all the hunger was high but through it all the personal magnetism of Hannibal kept his personal magnetism of Hannibal kept his personal magnetism of Hannibal kept his army army army together for the most part anyway the together for the most part anyway the together for the most part anyway the army that emerged on the far side had army that emerged on the far side had army that emerged on the far side had been considerably reduced in numbers been considerably reduced in numbers been considerably reduced in numbers entering with 50,000 they came out the entering with 50,000 they came out the entering with 50,000 they came out the other side with a mere 25,000 remaining other side with a mere 25,000 remaining other side with a mere 25,000 remaining a considerable chunk of those lost were a considerable chunk of those lost were a considerable chunk of those lost were casualties of the environment and as a casualties of the environment and as a casualties of the environment and as a testament to how difficult the journey testament to how difficult the journey testament to how difficult the journey really was but the majority were almost really was but the majority were almost really was but the majority were almost certainly deserters apparently the force certainly deserters apparently the force certainly deserters apparently the force of Hannibal's personality was only so of Hannibal's personality was only so of Hannibal's personality was only so strong Hannibal was able to briefly rest strong Hannibal was able to briefly rest strong Hannibal was able to briefly rest his troops but the two Roman Legions his troops but the two Roman Legions his troops but the two Roman Legions ostensibly in place to W off the GS were ostensibly in place to W off the GS were ostensibly in place to W off the GS were on their way with skipio at their head on their way with skipio at their head on their way with skipio at their head it would not be long before the war it would not be long before the war it would not be long before the war would begin in Earnest the Romans had would begin in Earnest the Romans had would begin in Earnest the Romans had pressed for the war and were chomping at pressed for the war and were chomping at pressed for the war and were chomping at the bit to take on the carthaginians but the bit to take on the carthaginians but the bit to take on the carthaginians but at least initially the Second Punic War at least initially the Second Punic War at least initially the Second Punic War turned out to be a series of shocking turned out to be a series of shocking turned out to be a series of shocking defeats for defeats for defeats for Rome the first battle was fought on the Rome the first battle was fought on the Rome the first battle was fought on the banks of the tissus the largest banks of the tissus the largest banks of the tissus the largest tributary of the Po River skipio eager

tributary of the Po River skipio eager tributary of the Po River skipio eager to engage the invading carthaginians to engage the invading carthaginians to engage the invading carthaginians built a bridge across the river and built a bridge across the river and built a bridge across the river and crossed over to meet crossed over to meet crossed over to meet Hannibal in the battle that ensued the Hannibal in the battle that ensued the Hannibal in the battle that ensued the Romans matched up just fine with their Romans matched up just fine with their Romans matched up just fine with their infantry but their Cavalry was woefully infantry but their Cavalry was woefully infantry but their Cavalry was woefully inadequate in the face of their far inadequate in the face of their far inadequate in the face of their far superior numidian counterparts the Roman superior numidian counterparts the Roman superior numidian counterparts the Roman were outflanked and driven back to the were outflanked and driven back to the were outflanked and driven back to the bridge they had built in the withdrawal bridge they had built in the withdrawal bridge they had built in the withdrawal skipio himself was wounded and was saved skipio himself was wounded and was saved skipio himself was wounded and was saved either by a slave girl or as Livy either by a slave girl or as Livy either by a slave girl or as Livy recounts his 18-year-old son skipio recounts his 18-year-old son skipio recounts his 18-year-old son skipio Africanus whether the younger skipio Africanus whether the younger skipio Africanus whether the younger skipio saved his father not as debatable but saved his father not as debatable but saved his father not as debatable but there is no doubt that he was at the there is no doubt that he was at the there is no doubt that he was at the battle that opened the war he would battle that opened the war he would battle that opened the war he would ultimately win 16 years ultimately win 16 years ultimately win 16 years later the Romans crossed back over the later the Romans crossed back over the later the Romans crossed back over the bridge and burned it to prevent the bridge and burned it to prevent the bridge and burned it to prevent the carthaginians from pursuing skipio goal carthaginians from pursuing skipio goal carthaginians from pursuing skipio goal had been to stop The Invasion right then had been to stop The Invasion right then had been to stop The Invasion right then and there but all he accomplished was and there but all he accomplished was and there but all he accomplished was demonstrating to the local Galls that demonstrating to the local Galls that demonstrating to the local Galls that Hannibal was for real and caused them to Hannibal was for real and caused them to Hannibal was for real and caused them to begin actively supporting the begin actively supporting the begin actively supporting the carthaginian carthaginian carthaginian general skippo returned to his base on general skippo returned to his base on general skippo returned to his base on the far side of the north south running the far side of the north south running the far side of the north south running trebia River and sent out the call for trebia River and sent out the call for trebia River and sent out the call for reinforcements Hannibal did not reinforcements Hannibal did not reinforcements Hannibal did not immediately press his Advantage but immediately press his Advantage but immediately press his Advantage but instead used the breathing space he had instead used the breathing space he had instead used the breathing space he had won for himself to reprovision rest his won for himself to reprovision rest his won for himself to reprovision rest his exhausted troops and accept G exhausted troops and accept G exhausted troops and accept G reinforcements in into his reinforcements in into his reinforcements in into his ranks sanus longest was called from his ranks sanus longest was called from his ranks sanus longest was called from his yet to be launched Invasion and ordered yet to be launched Invasion and ordered yet to be launched Invasion and ordered to take his army North to join with to take his army North to join with to take his army North to join with skipio and engage skipio and engage skipio and engage Hannibal it would be another decade plus Hannibal it would be another decade plus Hannibal it would be another decade plus before the Romans Revisited the idea of

before the Romans Revisited the idea of before the Romans Revisited the idea of invading invading invading Africa the next month longus arrived Africa the next month longus arrived Africa the next month longus arrived with his army and combined it with the with his army and combined it with the with his army and combined it with the existing troops skipio cautioned rushing existing troops skipio cautioned rushing existing troops skipio cautioned rushing out into battle having seen firsthand out into battle having seen firsthand out into battle having seen firsthand what a devastating Force Hannibal was in what a devastating Force Hannibal was in what a devastating Force Hannibal was in the field but long the field but long the field but long impatient and no doubt suspecting that impatient and no doubt suspecting that impatient and no doubt suspecting that his colleagues injuries were behind his his colleagues injuries were behind his his colleagues injuries were behind his weariness for further battle ordered the weariness for further battle ordered the weariness for further battle ordered the legions out to find and destroy the legions out to find and destroy the legions out to find and destroy the carthaginians it was now December and carthaginians it was now December and carthaginians it was now December and the weather had turned from bad to worse the weather had turned from bad to worse the weather had turned from bad to worse wind sleep snow and rain combined in a wind sleep snow and rain combined in a wind sleep snow and rain combined in a mixture of all the worst possible mixture of all the worst possible mixture of all the worst possible conditions you can imagine the kind of conditions you can imagine the kind of conditions you can imagine the kind of weather that makes you not even want to weather that makes you not even want to weather that makes you not even want to check your mail let alone fight a war check your mail let alone fight a war check your mail let alone fight a war but sanus longest was determined to end but sanus longest was determined to end but sanus longest was determined to end the invasion before the next Consular the invasion before the next Consular the invasion before the next Consular elections and just as in the case with elections and just as in the case with elections and just as in the case with regulus in the first Punic War the regulus in the first Punic War the regulus in the first Punic War the pressing need for battle was driven more pressing need for battle was driven more pressing need for battle was driven more by personal vanity and careful by personal vanity and careful by personal vanity and careful calculation Hannibal played the Romans calculation Hannibal played the Romans calculation Hannibal played the Romans like a fiddle and he manipulated longus like a fiddle and he manipulated longus like a fiddle and he manipulated longus into a battle in which the legions were into a battle in which the legions were into a battle in which the legions were in the worst possible position to in the worst possible position to in the worst possible position to win catching wind of the change in win catching wind of the change in win catching wind of the change in leadership and the impatience of the leadership and the impatience of the leadership and the impatience of the newly arrived conso Hannibal baited the newly arrived conso Hannibal baited the newly arrived conso Hannibal baited the Romans into a trap early in the morning Romans into a trap early in the morning Romans into a trap early in the morning of a particularly horrible day Hannibal of a particularly horrible day Hannibal of a particularly horrible day Hannibal sent out a large contingent of his sent out a large contingent of his sent out a large contingent of his Cavalry to attack the Roman Camp as soon Cavalry to attack the Roman Camp as soon Cavalry to attack the Roman Camp as soon as they appeared longus ordered the full as they appeared longus ordered the full as they appeared longus ordered the full force of his infantry out in Pursuit force of his infantry out in Pursuit force of his infantry out in Pursuit this hasty decision left the Romans this hasty decision left the Romans this hasty decision left the Romans without something Hannibal had hoped to

without something Hannibal had hoped to without something Hannibal had hoped to deny them a good warm deny them a good warm deny them a good warm breakfast the Romans essentially rolled breakfast the Romans essentially rolled breakfast the Romans essentially rolled out of bed and charged off to fight out of bed and charged off to fight out of bed and charged off to fight compounding their hunger longus ordered compounding their hunger longus ordered compounding their hunger longus ordered them to immediately cross the trebia them to immediately cross the trebia them to immediately cross the trebia which in December is a swollen and which in December is a swollen and which in December is a swollen and freezing River when they reached the freezing River when they reached the freezing River when they reached the other side they found Hannibal waiting other side they found Hannibal waiting other side they found Hannibal waiting for them at the head of a well-fed dry for them at the head of a well-fed dry for them at the head of a well-fed dry Army and as if this wasn't bad enough Army and as if this wasn't bad enough Army and as if this wasn't bad enough Hannibal had hidden a thousand Cavalry Hannibal had hidden a thousand Cavalry Hannibal had hidden a thousand Cavalry behind an outcrop of rocks in Brush the behind an outcrop of rocks in Brush the behind an outcrop of rocks in Brush the carthaginians drew the soaking and carthaginians drew the soaking and carthaginians drew the soaking and exhausted Romans away from the river and exhausted Romans away from the river and exhausted Romans away from the river and as soon as there was enough space as soon as there was enough space as soon as there was enough space Hannibal ordered the hidden troops onto Hannibal ordered the hidden troops onto Hannibal ordered the hidden troops onto the Roman rear the battle was an the Roman rear the battle was an the Roman rear the battle was an unmitigated disaster for Rome the only unmitigated disaster for Rome the only unmitigated disaster for Rome the only thing that allowed them to even Salvage thing that allowed them to even Salvage thing that allowed them to even Salvage their dignity was the unquestioned their dignity was the unquestioned their dignity was the unquestioned superior I ority of the legions as a superior I ority of the legions as a superior I ority of the legions as a fighting force about 10,000 managed to fighting force about 10,000 managed to fighting force about 10,000 managed to break through the carthaginian line and break through the carthaginian line and break through the carthaginian line and make for Placentia but the rest of the make for Placentia but the rest of the make for Placentia but the rest of the army was destroyed either caught between army was destroyed either caught between army was destroyed either caught between the two carthaginian lines or killed the two carthaginian lines or killed the two carthaginian lines or killed trying to recross the trying to recross the trying to recross the trebia sempronius longus escaped with trebia sempronius longus escaped with trebia sempronius longus escaped with his life but left his reputation lying his life but left his reputation lying his life but left his reputation lying dead on the dead on the dead on the battlefield Rome was now in a complete battlefield Rome was now in a complete battlefield Rome was now in a complete Panic according to the Frantic rumors Panic according to the Frantic rumors Panic according to the Frantic rumors the carthaginians would come pouring the carthaginians would come pouring the carthaginians would come pouring into the city City in a matter of days into the city City in a matter of days into the city City in a matter of days and nothing could stop them but luckily and nothing could stop them but luckily and nothing could stop them but luckily the winter despite Hannibal's cunning the winter despite Hannibal's cunning the winter despite Hannibal's cunning use of the weather to his Advantage was use of the weather to his Advantage was use of the weather to his Advantage was no time to launch a Siege of Rome and no time to launch a Siege of Rome and no time to launch a Siege of Rome and besides launching a Siege of Rome was besides launching a Siege of Rome was besides launching a Siege of Rome was not what Hannibal had in mind anyway the

not what Hannibal had in mind anyway the not what Hannibal had in mind anyway the Kenan Army settled in for the winter and Kenan Army settled in for the winter and Kenan Army settled in for the winter and the war was put on hold until the the war was put on hold until the the war was put on hold until the following following following spring when spring arrived the Romans spring when spring arrived the Romans spring when spring arrived the Romans raised fresh Legions and sent them out raised fresh Legions and sent them out raised fresh Legions and sent them out to man the frontier and prevent Hannibal to man the frontier and prevent Hannibal to man the frontier and prevent Hannibal from making it any further south from making it any further south from making it any further south the dominant console for the year was the dominant console for the year was the dominant console for the year was guas flaminius a popular plebian leader guas flaminius a popular plebian leader guas flaminius a popular plebian leader whose only major flaw was a Maverick whose only major flaw was a Maverick whose only major flaw was a Maverick streak that did not endear him to the streak that did not endear him to the streak that did not endear him to the leading Aristocrats or by some accounts leading Aristocrats or by some accounts leading Aristocrats or by some accounts to the gods of Rome when flaminius was to the gods of Rome when flaminius was to the gods of Rome when flaminius was elected in 217 he did not return to Rome elected in 217 he did not return to Rome elected in 217 he did not return to Rome to oversee the religious ceremonies that to oversee the religious ceremonies that to oversee the religious ceremonies that accompanied the transfer of power what accompanied the transfer of power what accompanied the transfer of power what speaks either to his Noble disdain for speaks either to his Noble disdain for speaks either to his Noble disdain for the trappings of power or a foolish the trappings of power or a foolish the trappings of power or a foolish irreverence that would lose him the irreverence that would lose him the irreverence that would lose him the favor of the favor of the favor of the Gods whether it was luck stupidity or Gods whether it was luck stupidity or Gods whether it was luck stupidity or the active intervention of displeased the active intervention of displeased the active intervention of displeased Gods flaminius was about to lead the Gods flaminius was about to lead the Gods flaminius was about to lead the legions to their greatest defeat a legions to their greatest defeat a legions to their greatest defeat a defeat That Shook the Romans to their defeat That Shook the Romans to their defeat That Shook the Romans to their very core and would leave them almost very core and would leave them almost very core and would leave them almost insane with insane with insane with fear luckily for flaminius is Legacy fear luckily for flaminius is Legacy fear luckily for flaminius is Legacy though the Battle of Lake Trine would though the Battle of Lake Trine would though the Battle of Lake Trine would only stand as the worst defeat in Roman only stand as the worst defeat in Roman only stand as the worst defeat in Roman history for a year and flaminius is history for a year and flaminius is history for a year and flaminius is failure would be overshadowed by var's failure would be overshadowed by var's failure would be overshadowed by var's far greater display of in competence at far greater display of in competence at far greater display of in competence at K sticking to his strategy of picking K sticking to his strategy of picking K sticking to his strategy of picking the most difficult routes of approach in the most difficult routes of approach in the most difficult routes of approach in order to surprise his enemy Hannibal order to surprise his enemy Hannibal order to surprise his enemy Hannibal began 217 BC by marching through a began 217 BC by marching through a began 217 BC by marching through a swamp the Romans had the roads covered

swamp the Romans had the roads covered swamp the Romans had the roads covered so Hannibal simply abandoned them the so Hannibal simply abandoned them the so Hannibal simply abandoned them the 4-day March through the flooded slog was 4-day March through the flooded slog was 4-day March through the flooded slog was an understandably miserable experience an understandably miserable experience an understandably miserable experience and in many ways was more difficult than and in many ways was more difficult than and in many ways was more difficult than The Passage through the Alps there was The Passage through the Alps there was The Passage through the Alps there was literally no dry ground anywhere and literally no dry ground anywhere and literally no dry ground anywhere and sleeping was a matter of sitting in sleeping was a matter of sitting in sleeping was a matter of sitting in muddy water and trying not to muddy water and trying not to muddy water and trying not to drown Hannibal brought up the rear drown Hannibal brought up the rear drown Hannibal brought up the rear riding an elephant and making sure that riding an elephant and making sure that riding an elephant and making sure that the Army understood the only way to move the Army understood the only way to move the Army understood the only way to move was was was forward the general shared the pain of forward the general shared the pain of forward the general shared the pain of his men though his eyes having succumb his men though his eyes having succumb his men though his eyes having succumb to an infection that would eventually to an infection that would eventually to an infection that would eventually lead to the removal of one of lead to the removal of one of lead to the removal of one of them but because of the HD swamp March them but because of the HD swamp March them but because of the HD swamp March Hannibal accomplished his goal and Hannibal accomplished his goal and Hannibal accomplished his goal and successfully outmaneuvered the Romans he successfully outmaneuvered the Romans he successfully outmaneuvered the Romans he was now deep in a tra and no Army stood was now deep in a tra and no Army stood was now deep in a tra and no Army stood between the carthaginians and Rome between the carthaginians and Rome between the carthaginians and Rome flaminius had no doubt that Hannibal's flaminius had no doubt that Hannibal's flaminius had no doubt that Hannibal's goal was to march uncontested on Rome goal was to march uncontested on Rome goal was to march uncontested on Rome and immediately sent out at double time and immediately sent out at double time and immediately sent out at double time to catch the to catch the to catch the carthaginians but Hannibal as I said had carthaginians but Hannibal as I said had carthaginians but Hannibal as I said had no intention of attacking Rome but he no intention of attacking Rome but he no intention of attacking Rome but he did have every intention of luring did have every intention of luring did have every intention of luring flaminius into a trap and he chose Lake flaminius into a trap and he chose Lake flaminius into a trap and he chose Lake Trine as the perfect Trine as the perfect Trine as the perfect site Lake Trine is about 150 Mi north of site Lake Trine is about 150 Mi north of site Lake Trine is about 150 Mi north of Rome and its Northern Bank buts up Rome and its Northern Bank buts up Rome and its Northern Bank buts up against steep against steep against steep hills Hannibal placed his infantry on hills Hannibal placed his infantry on hills Hannibal placed his infantry on the thin strip of land between the banks the thin strip of land between the banks the thin strip of land between the banks and the hills and waited for flaminius and the hills and waited for flaminius and the hills and waited for flaminius to come charging in the narrow entrance to come charging in the narrow entrance to come charging in the narrow entrance to the North to the North to the North Bank in the Hills above and around the Bank in the Hills above and around the Bank in the Hills above and around the lake Hannibal hid his Cavalry and a good

lake Hannibal hid his Cavalry and a good lake Hannibal hid his Cavalry and a good portion of his ground portion of his ground portion of his ground troops when flaminius arrived he passed troops when flaminius arrived he passed troops when flaminius arrived he passed through the narrow entrance without a through the narrow entrance without a through the narrow entrance without a second thought intent only on engaging second thought intent only on engaging second thought intent only on engaging Hannibal in battle but as soon as his Hannibal in battle but as soon as his Hannibal in battle but as soon as his forces were through the carthaginian forces were through the carthaginian forces were through the carthaginian cavalry appeared and sealed up the cavalry appeared and sealed up the cavalry appeared and sealed up the entrance trapping the entrance trapping the entrance trapping the leadens flaminius was caught completely leadens flaminius was caught completely leadens flaminius was caught completely by surprise and was just wrapping his by surprise and was just wrapping his by surprise and was just wrapping his head around the fact that he was now head around the fact that he was now head around the fact that he was now fighting on two fronts when the rest of fighting on two fronts when the rest of fighting on two fronts when the rest of the Hidden carthaginian Army came the Hidden carthaginian Army came the Hidden carthaginian Army came pouring down the slopes from above the pouring down the slopes from above the pouring down the slopes from above the Romans didn't stand a chance of the Romans didn't stand a chance of the Romans didn't stand a chance of the 40,000 who entered it is estimated that 40,000 who entered it is estimated that 40,000 who entered it is estimated that 30,000 were killed or captured including 30,000 were killed or captured including 30,000 were killed or captured including the ill- fated guys the ill- fated guys the ill- fated guys flaminius many drowned in a vain attempt flaminius many drowned in a vain attempt flaminius many drowned in a vain attempt to swim away from the slaughter to swim away from the slaughter to swim away from the slaughter Hannibal stood over the dead and must Hannibal stood over the dead and must Hannibal stood over the dead and must have wondered to himself how the Romans have wondered to himself how the Romans have wondered to himself how the Romans could ever have conquered anything sure could ever have conquered anything sure could ever have conquered anything sure they were strong but from what Hannibal they were strong but from what Hannibal they were strong but from what Hannibal had seen over the last year they were had seen over the last year they were had seen over the last year they were about as Savvy as a rock the way to beat about as Savvy as a rock the way to beat about as Savvy as a rock the way to beat the Romans clearly was not to outfight the Romans clearly was not to outfight the Romans clearly was not to outfight them but to outthink them but to outthink them but to outthink them Hannibal now held Italy in the palm them Hannibal now held Italy in the palm them Hannibal now held Italy in the palm of his hand but his coup gr was yet to of his hand but his coup gr was yet to of his hand but his coup gr was yet to come next week we will begin with the come next week we will begin with the come next week we will begin with the worst disaster in Roman milit milary worst disaster in Roman milit milary worst disaster in Roman milit milary history the Battle of K the Romans history the Battle of K the Romans history the Battle of K the Romans shocked by the succession of defeats at shocked by the succession of defeats at shocked by the succession of defeats at the hand of this emerging National the hand of this emerging National the hand of this emerging National nightmare called Hannibal will be left nightmare called Hannibal will be left nightmare called Hannibal will be left nearly catatonic when they get word of nearly catatonic when they get word of nearly catatonic when they get word of what happened to the legions at what happened to the legions at what happened to the legions at [Music]

K hello and welcome to the history of K hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode 23b the war with Rome episode 23b the war with Rome episode 23b the war with Hannibal after the disaster at Lake Hannibal after the disaster at Lake Hannibal after the disaster at Lake Trine the Romans were understandably Trine the Romans were understandably Trine the Romans were understandably frightened at what the future had in frightened at what the future had in frightened at what the future had in store for them every army they threw at store for them every army they threw at store for them every army they threw at Hannibal met with total Destruction and Hannibal met with total Destruction and Hannibal met with total Destruction and their once unshakable sense of their once unshakable sense of their once unshakable sense of invincibility had now been thoroughly invincibility had now been thoroughly invincibility had now been thoroughly shaken it would only be a matter of days shaken it would only be a matter of days shaken it would only be a matter of days it seemed before the carthaginian Army it seemed before the carthaginian Army it seemed before the carthaginian Army would march on Rome and Conquer The Once would march on Rome and Conquer The Once would march on Rome and Conquer The Once Mighty City optimism was in short supply Mighty City optimism was in short supply Mighty City optimism was in short supply and lamentation flooded the and lamentation flooded the and lamentation flooded the market in this depressed state the market in this depressed state the market in this depressed state the Romans turned to an old psychological Romans turned to an old psychological Romans turned to an old psychological defense mechanism one last time to see defense mechanism one last time to see defense mechanism one last time to see them through the dark days ahead the them through the dark days ahead the them through the dark days ahead the dictatorship unused since the first dictatorship unused since the first dictatorship unused since the first Punic War and avoided in general since Punic War and avoided in general since Punic War and avoided in general since the heady days of the samnite wars when the heady days of the samnite wars when the heady days of the samnite wars when a dictator seemed to be appointed every a dictator seemed to be appointed every a dictator seemed to be appointed every other year the people of Rome turned other year the people of Rome turned other year the people of Rome turned their Fates over once again to a single their Fates over once again to a single their Fates over once again to a single man this time the Reigns were handed to man this time the Reigns were handed to man this time the Reigns were handed to quintis Fabius Maximus the quintis Fabius Maximus the quintis Fabius Maximus the well-respected head of the well-respected head of the well-respected head of the well-respected well-respected well-respected fabii there would be one or two more fabii there would be one or two more fabii there would be one or two more temporary dictatorial appointments in temporary dictatorial appointments in temporary dictatorial appointments in the years to come but the reign of the years to come but the reign of the years to come but the reign of Fabius Maximus would Mark the effective Fabius Maximus would Mark the effective Fabius Maximus would Mark the effective end of the office of dictator it was end of the office of dictator it was end of the office of dictator it was through no fault of his own however through no fault of his own however through no fault of his own however rather the office was rendered impotent rather the office was rendered impotent rather the office was rendered impotent by the people of Rome and fell into by the people of Rome and fell into by the people of Rome and fell into disuse but it was Fabius who kicked disuse but it was Fabius who kicked disuse but it was Fabius who kicked started the demise of the dictatorship started the demise of the dictatorship started the demise of the dictatorship By ignoring the will of the people and By ignoring the will of the people and By ignoring the will of the people and acting like well a dictator

acting like well a dictator acting like well a dictator Fabius Maximus had a plan it was not a Fabius Maximus had a plan it was not a Fabius Maximus had a plan it was not a popular plan it was not a plan to win popular plan it was not a plan to win popular plan it was not a plan to win the war it was not a plan to bring the war it was not a plan to bring the war it was not a plan to bring Everlasting glory to Rome and it was not Everlasting glory to Rome and it was not Everlasting glory to Rome and it was not even a plan that would bring Everlasting even a plan that would bring Everlasting even a plan that would bring Everlasting glory to Fabius himself it was a plan glory to Fabius himself it was a plan glory to Fabius himself it was a plan however that would ensure the survival however that would ensure the survival however that would ensure the survival of Rome Fabius knew exactly what he was of Rome Fabius knew exactly what he was of Rome Fabius knew exactly what he was doing and in the face of near unanimous doing and in the face of near unanimous doing and in the face of near unanimous opposition pursued his plan unswervingly opposition pursued his plan unswervingly opposition pursued his plan unswervingly and because of his plan the Roman Empire and because of his plan the Roman Empire and because of his plan the Roman Empire was not destroyed destroyed in 217 BC as was not destroyed destroyed in 217 BC as was not destroyed destroyed in 217 BC as it very well could have it very well could have it very well could have been the plan earned Fabius a place in been the plan earned Fabius a place in been the plan earned Fabius a place in the annals of military history by the annals of military history by the annals of military history by affixing his name to a certain kind of affixing his name to a certain kind of affixing his name to a certain kind of strategy known Forever After as Fabian strategy known Forever After as Fabian strategy known Forever After as Fabian tactics or the fine artart of avoiding tactics or the fine artart of avoiding tactics or the fine artart of avoiding battle Fabius had watched with horror as battle Fabius had watched with horror as battle Fabius had watched with horror as the consoles of the previous years had the consoles of the previous years had the consoles of the previous years had been goated into pitched battles at the been goated into pitched battles at the been goated into pitched battles at the time and place of Hannibal's choosing time and place of Hannibal's choosing time and place of Hannibal's choosing the carthaginian general had shown a the carthaginian general had shown a the carthaginian general had shown a singular ability to exploit the singular ability to exploit the singular ability to exploit the aggressive nature of the Romans to his aggressive nature of the Romans to his aggressive nature of the Romans to his own own own Advantage Fabius was determined not to Advantage Fabius was determined not to Advantage Fabius was determined not to make the same make the same make the same mistake if he was going to fight mistake if he was going to fight mistake if he was going to fight Hannibal at all he was not going to let Hannibal at all he was not going to let Hannibal at all he was not going to let the carthaginian dictate the the carthaginian dictate the the carthaginian dictate the terms but Hannibal was too Savvy himself terms but Hannibal was too Savvy himself terms but Hannibal was too Savvy himself to be drawn into a battle he had not to be drawn into a battle he had not to be drawn into a battle he had not carefully orchestrated so the upshot of carefully orchestrated so the upshot of carefully orchestrated so the upshot of Fabius his plan was that the two armies Fabius his plan was that the two armies Fabius his plan was that the two armies studiously avoided one studiously avoided one studiously avoided one another but unfortunately for Fabius another but unfortunately for Fabius another but unfortunately for Fabius studiously avoiding conflict was anma to studiously avoiding conflict was anma to studiously avoiding conflict was anma to the Roman character it was as if in an

the Roman character it was as if in an the Roman character it was as if in an effort to rejuvenate the Catholic Church effort to rejuvenate the Catholic Church effort to rejuvenate the Catholic Church the College of cardinals had elected an the College of cardinals had elected an the College of cardinals had elected an AOW atheist the two just don't mesh well AOW atheist the two just don't mesh well AOW atheist the two just don't mesh well with one another but whatever the merits with one another but whatever the merits with one another but whatever the merits of Fabius his plan the outcry against of Fabius his plan the outcry against of Fabius his plan the outcry against him was immediately deafening and many him was immediately deafening and many him was immediately deafening and many began to look to Fabius as master of began to look to Fabius as master of began to look to Fabius as master of horse Marcus Rufus minucius for horse Marcus Rufus minucius for horse Marcus Rufus minucius for deliverance from what they saw as deliverance from what they saw as deliverance from what they saw as intentional intentional intentional cowardliness Hannibal was laying waste cowardliness Hannibal was laying waste cowardliness Hannibal was laying waste to the countryside and here fa was to the countryside and here fa was to the countryside and here fa was sitting on his hands and letting it go sitting on his hands and letting it go sitting on his hands and letting it go on the only person who seemed to respect on the only person who seemed to respect on the only person who seemed to respect what Fabius was doing was Hannibal what Fabius was doing was Hannibal what Fabius was doing was Hannibal himself when Fabius was dispatched himself when Fabius was dispatched himself when Fabius was dispatched against him the carthaginian general had against him the carthaginian general had against him the carthaginian general had attempted to set the legions up for attempted to set the legions up for attempted to set the legions up for defeat as he had done so easily before defeat as he had done so easily before defeat as he had done so easily before but Fabius never bit at the traps this but Fabius never bit at the traps this but Fabius never bit at the traps this left Hannibal in the driver's seat and left Hannibal in the driver's seat and left Hannibal in the driver's seat and he pillaged the countryside with he pillaged the countryside with he pillaged the countryside with impunity but it also left him without impunity but it also left him without impunity but it also left him without the opportunity to really lay a killing the opportunity to really lay a killing the opportunity to really lay a killing stroke on the Romans sure he was causing stroke on the Romans sure he was causing stroke on the Romans sure he was causing a lot of Havoc but no matter how hard he a lot of Havoc but no matter how hard he a lot of Havoc but no matter how hard he tried to bait Fabius the legions tried to bait Fabius the legions tried to bait Fabius the legions remained just Out Of Reach and remained just Out Of Reach and remained just Out Of Reach and intact the average Roman may not have intact the average Roman may not have intact the average Roman may not have fully understood what Fabius was doing fully understood what Fabius was doing fully understood what Fabius was doing but the psychological benefit of Simply but the psychological benefit of Simply but the psychological benefit of Simply keeping an Army in the field was keeping an Army in the field was keeping an Army in the field was enormous days and months passed without enormous days and months passed without enormous days and months passed without news that yet another Roman army had news that yet another Roman army had news that yet another Roman army had been been been destroyed whether they appreciated it or destroyed whether they appreciated it or destroyed whether they appreciated it or not Fabius was rebuilding Rome's not Fabius was rebuilding Rome's not Fabius was rebuilding Rome's confidence the course against Fabius confidence the course against Fabius confidence the course against Fabius only grew louder as Hannibal cunning as only grew louder as Hannibal cunning as only grew louder as Hannibal cunning as he was in politics as well as War

he was in politics as well as War he was in politics as well as War ordered that lands owned by Fabius be ordered that lands owned by Fabius be ordered that lands owned by Fabius be spared in the general pillaging spared in the general pillaging spared in the general pillaging immediately leading to suspicions that immediately leading to suspicions that immediately leading to suspicions that Fabius had made a secret deal with Fabius had made a secret deal with Fabius had made a secret deal with Hannibal but there was no deal and Hannibal but there was no deal and Hannibal but there was no deal and Fabius Now and Forever After nickname Fabius Now and Forever After nickname Fabius Now and Forever After nickname Fabius the delayer was simply biting his Fabius the delayer was simply biting his Fabius the delayer was simply biting his time until the right set of time until the right set of time until the right set of circumstances presented themselves and circumstances presented themselves and circumstances presented themselves and when Hannibal marched his forces into when Hannibal marched his forces into when Hannibal marched his forces into compa Fabius saw his chance compa Fabius saw his chance compa Fabius saw his chance it was only the genius of Hannibal it was only the genius of Hannibal it was only the genius of Hannibal combined with a little luck that saved combined with a little luck that saved combined with a little luck that saved the carthaginian Army from a decisive the carthaginian Army from a decisive the carthaginian Army from a decisive defeat by the Fabian defeat by the Fabian defeat by the Fabian Legions without going too much into Legions without going too much into Legions without going too much into geography the large Valley of compa has geography the large Valley of compa has geography the large Valley of compa has eight passes big enough to allow an army eight passes big enough to allow an army eight passes big enough to allow an army the size of Hannibal to March through the size of Hannibal to March through the size of Hannibal to March through five of them were either held solidly by five of them were either held solidly by five of them were either held solidly by the Romans or lay behind the unfordable the Romans or lay behind the unfordable the Romans or lay behind the unfordable volis river leaving three possible exits volis river leaving three possible exits volis river leaving three possible exits for Hannibal from compa for Hannibal from compa for Hannibal from compa he had gone into the valley as part of he had gone into the valley as part of he had gone into the valley as part of his strategy to peel off Rome's major his strategy to peel off Rome's major his strategy to peel off Rome's major allies the great city of capoa had risen allies the great city of capoa had risen allies the great city of capoa had risen to be the second strongest in Italy to be the second strongest in Italy to be the second strongest in Italy behind Rome and Hannibal believed there behind Rome and Hannibal believed there behind Rome and Hannibal believed there was a good chance he could flip capoa was a good chance he could flip capoa was a good chance he could flip capoa and indeed he would eventually succeed and indeed he would eventually succeed and indeed he would eventually succeed in his mission though the Capal Revolt in his mission though the Capal Revolt in his mission though the Capal Revolt would not prove as decisive to the war would not prove as decisive to the war would not prove as decisive to the war effort as Hannibal had hoped when it effort as Hannibal had hoped when it effort as Hannibal had hoped when it finally finally finally occurred the carthaginian Army having occurred the carthaginian Army having occurred the carthaginian Army having entered compana proceeded with their entered compana proceeded with their entered compana proceeded with their standard Mo of terrorizing the standard Mo of terrorizing the standard Mo of terrorizing the countryside countryside countryside but before they knew it Fabius had moved but before they knew it Fabius had moved but before they knew it Fabius had moved the legions into each of the three the legions into each of the three the legions into each of the three Escape Routes trapping them in the

Escape Routes trapping them in the Escape Routes trapping them in the valley Hannibal knew he had been valley Hannibal knew he had been valley Hannibal knew he had been outmaneuvered and racked his brains outmaneuvered and racked his brains outmaneuvered and racked his brains trying to think of a way out of the trying to think of a way out of the trying to think of a way out of the Trap one night a few hours before Dawn Trap one night a few hours before Dawn Trap one night a few hours before Dawn Roman Sentry spotted a mass procession Roman Sentry spotted a mass procession Roman Sentry spotted a mass procession of torches and immediately raised the of torches and immediately raised the of torches and immediately raised the alarm Hannibal was attempting to break alarm Hannibal was attempting to break alarm Hannibal was attempting to break through one of the passes under cover of through one of the passes under cover of through one of the passes under cover of dark the Roman troops rushed out dark the Roman troops rushed out dark the Roman troops rushed out determined to prevent Hannibal from determined to prevent Hannibal from determined to prevent Hannibal from escaping but in so doing they left the escaping but in so doing they left the escaping but in so doing they left the pass wide open and when they reached the pass wide open and when they reached the pass wide open and when they reached the alleged column of troops and found only alleged column of troops and found only alleged column of troops and found only oxen with lit torches tied to their oxen with lit torches tied to their oxen with lit torches tied to their horns they realized the enormity of horns they realized the enormity of horns they realized the enormity of their mistake Hannibal LED his army their mistake Hannibal LED his army their mistake Hannibal LED his army through the unguarded path and the through the unguarded path and the through the unguarded path and the carthaginians got carthaginians got carthaginians got away after this setback Fabius was away after this setback Fabius was away after this setback Fabius was recalled to Rome to account for himself recalled to Rome to account for himself recalled to Rome to account for himself the tribunes hurled every insult in the the tribunes hurled every insult in the the tribunes hurled every insult in the book at the dictator and convinced the book at the dictator and convinced the book at the dictator and convinced the people to support an unprecedented people to support an unprecedented people to support an unprecedented measure the elevation of minucius to co- measure the elevation of minucius to co- measure the elevation of minucius to co- dictator this extra legal solution was dictator this extra legal solution was dictator this extra legal solution was the death now of the dictatorship as an the death now of the dictatorship as an the death now of the dictatorship as an effective office the whole idea behind effective office the whole idea behind effective office the whole idea behind the dictatorship is that one man should the dictatorship is that one man should the dictatorship is that one man should have the final say over all policy have the final say over all policy have the final say over all policy without right of appeal by elevating a without right of appeal by elevating a without right of appeal by elevating a co- dictator the entire premise of the co- dictator the entire premise of the co- dictator the entire premise of the office was lost for good if a dictator office was lost for good if a dictator office was lost for good if a dictator could be so easily rebuked by the people could be so easily rebuked by the people could be so easily rebuked by the people than what good was even having one you than what good was even having one you than what good was even having one you may as well just have two consoles may as well just have two consoles may as well just have two consoles the semi magical spell of dictatorial the semi magical spell of dictatorial the semi magical spell of dictatorial infallibility had been broken for good infallibility had been broken for good infallibility had been broken for good and not until the time of solah 200 and not until the time of solah 200 and not until the time of solah 200 years later would the concept of

years later would the concept of years later would the concept of dictator reappear with any real dictator reappear with any real dictator reappear with any real meaning minucius took command of half meaning minucius took command of half meaning minucius took command of half the Army and marched towards Hannibal the Army and marched towards Hannibal the Army and marched towards Hannibal with typical Roman aggression but like with typical Roman aggression but like with typical Roman aggression but like all his predecessors minucius was all his predecessors minucius was all his predecessors minucius was outmaneuvered by Hannibal and the outmaneuvered by Hannibal and the outmaneuvered by Hannibal and the legions under his command were almost legions under his command were almost legions under his command were almost wiped wiped wiped out however the much derided Fabius who out however the much derided Fabius who out however the much derided Fabius who watched from the nearby Hills decided he watched from the nearby Hills decided he watched from the nearby Hills decided he could not allow minus' forces to be could not allow minus' forces to be could not allow minus' forces to be destroyed and against his better destroyed and against his better destroyed and against his better judgment ordered his troops to the judgment ordered his troops to the judgment ordered his troops to the rescue of his bleuer rescue of his bleuer rescue of his bleuer colleague the addition of Fabius troops colleague the addition of Fabius troops colleague the addition of Fabius troops turned the tide and Hannibal was forced turned the tide and Hannibal was forced turned the tide and Hannibal was forced to to to withdraw minucius humbled by his withdraw minucius humbled by his withdraw minucius humbled by his experience immediately placed himself experience immediately placed himself experience immediately placed himself back into a subordinate position to back into a subordinate position to back into a subordinate position to Fabius in the rest of 217 passed without Fabius in the rest of 217 passed without Fabius in the rest of 217 passed without any major battle Fabius despite any major battle Fabius despite any major battle Fabius despite persistent calls for his head had persistent calls for his head had persistent calls for his head had managed to leave lead Rome through an managed to leave lead Rome through an managed to leave lead Rome through an entire year without a major entire year without a major entire year without a major defeat Rome however would not learn from defeat Rome however would not learn from defeat Rome however would not learn from Fabius success and clamored for leaders Fabius success and clamored for leaders Fabius success and clamored for leaders who would take the fight to who would take the fight to who would take the fight to Hannibal in 216 BC they got what they Hannibal in 216 BC they got what they Hannibal in 216 BC they got what they asked for and for their trouble got asked for and for their trouble got asked for and for their trouble got everything fabus predicted a defeat so everything fabus predicted a defeat so everything fabus predicted a defeat so massive it nearly ended the Roman Empire massive it nearly ended the Roman Empire massive it nearly ended the Roman Empire right then and right then and right then and there the dominant figure to emerge there the dominant figure to emerge there the dominant figure to emerge during Fabius dictatorship was a man during Fabius dictatorship was a man during Fabius dictatorship was a man named Marcus Vero who denounced at every named Marcus Vero who denounced at every named Marcus Vero who denounced at every opportunity the Cowardly policies of the opportunity the Cowardly policies of the opportunity the Cowardly policies of the wealthy Patrician wealthy Patrician wealthy Patrician dictator he promised the people that if dictator he promised the people that if dictator he promised the people that if they elected him conso he would raise

they elected him conso he would raise they elected him conso he would raise the largest army Rome had ever seen and the largest army Rome had ever seen and the largest army Rome had ever seen and Crush Hannibal once and for Crush Hannibal once and for Crush Hannibal once and for all the people responded by all the people responded by all the people responded by overwhelmingly supporting vera for the overwhelmingly supporting vera for the overwhelmingly supporting vera for the consulship his colleague for the year consulship his colleague for the year consulship his colleague for the year was the respected Patrician lucious was the respected Patrician lucious was the respected Patrician lucious amelus paulus who would play the super amelus paulus who would play the super amelus paulus who would play the super ego to vero's ego to vero's ego to vero's ID together they raised 16 Legions of ID together they raised 16 Legions of ID together they raised 16 Legions of Romans and allies and marched Southeast Romans and allies and marched Southeast Romans and allies and marched Southeast from Rome to find and destroy from Rome to find and destroy from Rome to find and destroy Hannibal the carthaginian Army had taken Hannibal the carthaginian Army had taken Hannibal the carthaginian Army had taken over the small but important town of over the small but important town of over the small but important town of canny or as I have been incorrectly canny or as I have been incorrectly canny or as I have been incorrectly referring to it K thanks to those of you referring to it K thanks to those of you referring to it K thanks to those of you out there who have knocked some sense out there who have knocked some sense out there who have knocked some sense into my Latin poor into my Latin poor into my Latin poor tongue the carthaginians were set up in tongue the carthaginians were set up in tongue the carthaginians were set up in canny and the legions marched straight canny and the legions marched straight canny and the legions marched straight for them 880,000 strong for them 880,000 strong for them 880,000 strong Hannibal had just over 40,000 infantry Hannibal had just over 40,000 infantry Hannibal had just over 40,000 infantry and 10,000 Cavalry and despite his track and 10,000 Cavalry and despite his track and 10,000 Cavalry and despite his track record against the Romans he had to be record against the Romans he had to be record against the Romans he had to be nervous at the sight of the massive nervous at the sight of the massive nervous at the sight of the massive Force deployed against Force deployed against Force deployed against him when the Romans arrived a him when the Romans arrived a him when the Romans arrived a disagreement arose between the two disagreement arose between the two disagreement arose between the two consoles paulish did not like the look consoles paulish did not like the look consoles paulish did not like the look of the flat open plane fearing the of the flat open plane fearing the of the flat open plane fearing the destructive force of Hannibal's numidian destructive force of Hannibal's numidian destructive force of Hannibal's numidian Cavalry and wanted to move the Roman Cavalry and wanted to move the Roman Cavalry and wanted to move the Roman forces into the nearby Hills where the forces into the nearby Hills where the forces into the nearby Hills where the Cavalry would be neutralized Cavalry would be neutralized Cavalry would be neutralized ver however saw the nearly two to1 ver however saw the nearly two to1 ver however saw the nearly two to1 Advantage the Romans held and Advantage the Romans held and Advantage the Romans held and immediately wanted to fight an infantry immediately wanted to fight an infantry immediately wanted to fight an infantry battle in the field and simply battle in the field and simply battle in the field and simply overwhelmed the overwhelmed the overwhelmed the carthaginians when two consoles are

carthaginians when two consoles are carthaginians when two consoles are present at the same site there were two present at the same site there were two present at the same site there were two ways of dividing the command equally ways of dividing the command equally ways of dividing the command equally between them one was to divide the Army between them one was to divide the Army between them one was to divide the Army in half and give each console total in half and give each console total in half and give each console total discretion over his half of the army the discretion over his half of the army the discretion over his half of the army the other in Force at canny was for each other in Force at canny was for each other in Force at canny was for each console to have total discretion over console to have total discretion over console to have total discretion over the whole Army every other day it was on the whole Army every other day it was on the whole Army every other day it was on vero's day of command that the camps vero's day of command that the camps vero's day of command that the camps were built beside the Plains and it was were built beside the Plains and it was were built beside the Plains and it was on vero's day of command that the battle on vero's day of command that the battle on vero's day of command that the battle was initiated there was nothing paulus was initiated there was nothing paulus was initiated there was nothing paulus could do about could do about could do about it on the morning of battle as I said it on the morning of battle as I said it on the morning of battle as I said verl was in charge he ordered the Army verl was in charge he ordered the Army verl was in charge he ordered the Army across a shallow River to where the across a shallow River to where the across a shallow River to where the carthaginians were lining up for battle carthaginians were lining up for battle carthaginians were lining up for battle Hannibal hoping to get the Romans to Hannibal hoping to get the Romans to Hannibal hoping to get the Romans to bite at a battle he could control with bite at a battle he could control with bite at a battle he could control with his Superior movile Cavalry wings his Superior movile Cavalry wings his Superior movile Cavalry wings lining up the Romans for battle Vero lining up the Romans for battle Vero lining up the Romans for battle Vero followed the conventional three-line followed the conventional three-line followed the conventional three-line maniple alignment but when he saw the maniple alignment but when he saw the maniple alignment but when he saw the way the carthaginians were lining up he way the carthaginians were lining up he way the carthaginians were lining up he made a critical decision to pack his made a critical decision to pack his made a critical decision to pack his troops close together and eliminate the troops close together and eliminate the troops close together and eliminate the checkerboard space between the checkerboard space between the checkerboard space between the maniples his Hope was to drive through maniples his Hope was to drive through maniples his Hope was to drive through the weaker carthaginian infantry divide the weaker carthaginian infantry divide the weaker carthaginian infantry divide Hannibal's Army in half and use the Hannibal's Army in half and use the Hannibal's Army in half and use the superior Roman numbers to annihilate the superior Roman numbers to annihilate the superior Roman numbers to annihilate the carthaginian Army but this left the carthaginian Army but this left the carthaginian Army but this left the Romans open to an easy flanking maneuver Romans open to an easy flanking maneuver Romans open to an easy flanking maneuver the same mistake regulus had made in his the same mistake regulus had made in his the same mistake regulus had made in his battle with zanthus outside of Carthage battle with zanthus outside of Carthage battle with zanthus outside of Carthage during the first Punic War vero's during the first Punic War vero's during the first Punic War vero's mistake was doubly compounded by the mistake was doubly compounded by the mistake was doubly compounded by the fact that Hannibal had deliberately fact that Hannibal had deliberately fact that Hannibal had deliberately lined his army up to lure the Romans

lined his army up to lure the Romans lined his army up to lure the Romans into just such a into just such a into just such a trap the carthaginian line was deployed trap the carthaginian line was deployed trap the carthaginian line was deployed in a semicircle with the front closer to in a semicircle with the front closer to in a semicircle with the front closer to the Romans than the wings in the center the Romans than the wings in the center the Romans than the wings in the center were placed the weaker Spanish and were placed the weaker Spanish and were placed the weaker Spanish and gallic soldiers which is what made Vero gallic soldiers which is what made Vero gallic soldiers which is what made Vero lick his lips and bunch the legions lick his lips and bunch the legions lick his lips and bunch the legions together together together on the wings were the Cavalry and on the wings were the Cavalry and on the wings were the Cavalry and between the Cavalry and the center were between the Cavalry and the center were between the Cavalry and the center were the Libyan the Libyan the Libyan infantry after eyeing each other and infantry after eyeing each other and infantry after eyeing each other and letting the light skirmishers do their letting the light skirmishers do their letting the light skirmishers do their thing Pharaoh ordered the legions to thing Pharaoh ordered the legions to thing Pharaoh ordered the legions to attack at first things seemed to be attack at first things seemed to be attack at first things seemed to be going great for the Romans the Spanish going great for the Romans the Spanish going great for the Romans the Spanish and G soldiers were no match for the and G soldiers were no match for the and G soldiers were no match for the Romans and were pushed back easily by Romans and were pushed back easily by Romans and were pushed back easily by the reinforced Roman the reinforced Roman the reinforced Roman lines however caught up in the heat of lines however caught up in the heat of lines however caught up in the heat of battle the Romans did not notice that it battle the Romans did not notice that it battle the Romans did not notice that it was the Center and the center only they was the Center and the center only they was the Center and the center only they were pushing back the libyans remained were pushing back the libyans remained were pushing back the libyans remained where they were and pretty soon the where they were and pretty soon the where they were and pretty soon the curve of the carthaginian line had been curve of the carthaginian line had been curve of the carthaginian line had been inverted with the libyans now forward of inverted with the libyans now forward of inverted with the libyans now forward of the center the Romans continued to the center the Romans continued to the center the Romans continued to charge ahead and before they knew it the charge ahead and before they knew it the charge ahead and before they knew it the libyans had outflanked them even though libyans had outflanked them even though libyans had outflanked them even though they had not yet moved a they had not yet moved a they had not yet moved a muscle the Romans were now hemmed in and muscle the Romans were now hemmed in and muscle the Romans were now hemmed in and suddenly found themselves fighting on suddenly found themselves fighting on suddenly found themselves fighting on three fronts in the confusion they were three fronts in the confusion they were three fronts in the confusion they were just beginning to work on extracting just beginning to work on extracting just beginning to work on extracting themselves from what was turning into a themselves from what was turning into a themselves from what was turning into a bloodbath when Hannibal closed the bloodbath when Hannibal closed the bloodbath when Hannibal closed the Trap his Cavalry easily drove off their Trap his Cavalry easily drove off their Trap his Cavalry easily drove off their Roman counterparts and then wheeled Roman counterparts and then wheeled Roman counterparts and then wheeled around on the Roman rear the legions around on the Roman rear the legions around on the Roman rear the legions were now completely surrounded and

were now completely surrounded and were now completely surrounded and having been placed so close to one having been placed so close to one having been placed so close to one another by Vero at the outside of the another by Vero at the outside of the another by Vero at the outside of the battle were in many cases unable to even battle were in many cases unable to even battle were in many cases unable to even lift their arms up to defend lift their arms up to defend lift their arms up to defend themselves at a minimum 50,000 Romans themselves at a minimum 50,000 Romans themselves at a minimum 50,000 Romans died in the slaughter with estimates died in the slaughter with estimates died in the slaughter with estimates going so high as 70,000 going so high as 70,000 going so high as 70,000 these totals included the cream of the these totals included the cream of the these totals included the cream of the Roman leadership 29 military tribunes Roman leadership 29 military tribunes Roman leadership 29 military tribunes and 80 men of senatorial rank including and 80 men of senatorial rank including and 80 men of senatorial rank including the former master of horse Marcus Rufus the former master of horse Marcus Rufus the former master of horse Marcus Rufus minucius the consul paulus who never minucius the consul paulus who never minucius the consul paulus who never wanted the battle in the first place was wanted the battle in the first place was wanted the battle in the first place was knocked from his horse and refused the knocked from his horse and refused the knocked from his horse and refused the offer of another to escape choosing to offer of another to escape choosing to offer of another to escape choosing to die in the field then face the die in the field then face the die in the field then face the humiliation of surviving such a humiliation of surviving such a humiliation of surviving such a horrendous horrendous horrendous defeat Vera however upon whose head the defeat Vera however upon whose head the defeat Vera however upon whose head the entire debacle rested had no such qualms entire debacle rested had no such qualms entire debacle rested had no such qualms about his honor and fled for his life the Battle of canny has gone down life the Battle of canny has gone down as one of the most famous battles in as one of the most famous battles in as one of the most famous battles in history generals are always looking to history generals are always looking to history generals are always looking to emulate Hannibal's near-perfect emulate Hannibal's near-perfect emulate Hannibal's near-perfect destruction of the Romans Eisenhower destruction of the Romans Eisenhower destruction of the Romans Eisenhower referred to Hannibal's plan as a work of referred to Hannibal's plan as a work of referred to Hannibal's plan as a work of art and as recently as the first Gulf art and as recently as the first Gulf art and as recently as the first Gulf War General Norman schwarzkoff modeled War General Norman schwarzkoff modeled War General Norman schwarzkoff modeled some of his attacks after Hannibal's some of his attacks after Hannibal's some of his attacks after Hannibal's formation at canny though the total formation at canny though the total formation at canny though the total envelop is not nearly as impressive when envelop is not nearly as impressive when envelop is not nearly as impressive when you're commanding a much larger and more you're commanding a much larger and more you're commanding a much larger and more powerful Army it still shows how much powerful Army it still shows how much powerful Army it still shows how much this single battle has penetrated the this single battle has penetrated the this single battle has penetrated the collective collective collective Consciousness despite the universal Consciousness despite the universal Consciousness despite the universal Praise of Hannibal's genius on the

Praise of Hannibal's genius on the Praise of Hannibal's genius on the battlefield what the carthaginian battlefield what the carthaginian battlefield what the carthaginian general did with his victory is the general did with his victory is the general did with his victory is the source of the harshest criticisms source of the harshest criticisms source of the harshest criticisms against him leveled both by his against him leveled both by his against him leveled both by his contemporaries and the Judgment of contemporaries and the Judgment of contemporaries and the Judgment of History because what he did with his History because what he did with his History because what he did with his stunning victory was absolutely nothing stunning victory was absolutely nothing stunning victory was absolutely nothing it is easy to say that Hannibal should it is easy to say that Hannibal should it is easy to say that Hannibal should have immediately marched on Rome and have immediately marched on Rome and have immediately marched on Rome and taken the city rather than hold off and taken the city rather than hold off and taken the city rather than hold off and continue his policy of attempting to continue his policy of attempting to continue his policy of attempting to turn Rome's allies against them without turn Rome's allies against them without turn Rome's allies against them without actually going near the actually going near the actually going near the capital but even in its weakened State capital but even in its weakened State capital but even in its weakened State Rome itself would have been more than a Rome itself would have been more than a Rome itself would have been more than a match for Hannibal and his poultry Army match for Hannibal and his poultry Army match for Hannibal and his poultry Army of of of 35,000 but it is impossible to say for 35,000 but it is impossible to say for 35,000 but it is impossible to say for sure we have no way of knowing what sure we have no way of knowing what sure we have no way of knowing what would have happened if Hannibal had gone would have happened if Hannibal had gone would have happened if Hannibal had gone for the gold all we do know is that he for the gold all we do know is that he for the gold all we do know is that he didn't didn't didn't whether this was because he didn't think whether this was because he didn't think whether this was because he didn't think he could pull it off or because he he could pull it off or because he he could pull it off or because he didn't believe a direct assault on Rome didn't believe a direct assault on Rome didn't believe a direct assault on Rome was a necessary part of his greater plan was a necessary part of his greater plan was a necessary part of his greater plan is also a matter of endless is also a matter of endless is also a matter of endless speculation in the full light of History speculation in the full light of History speculation in the full light of History though we know that canny marked the though we know that canny marked the though we know that canny marked the high point of Hannibal's career whether high point of Hannibal's career whether high point of Hannibal's career whether he could have gone even higher by he could have gone even higher by he could have gone even higher by marching on Rome will never be known for marching on Rome will never be known for marching on Rome will never be known for sure the Battle of canny closed the sure the Battle of canny closed the sure the Battle of canny closed the first stage of the Second Punic War first stage of the Second Punic War first stage of the Second Punic War Hannibal would never again be so Hannibal would never again be so Hannibal would never again be so successful and in the following decade successful and in the following decade successful and in the following decade the fortunes of War would turn against the fortunes of War would turn against the fortunes of War would turn against Carthage in favor of the Romans and Carthage in favor of the Romans and Carthage in favor of the Romans and their young Rockstar General skipio their young Rockstar General skipio their young Rockstar General skipio [Music]

africanas hello and welcome to the africanas hello and welcome to the history of history of history of Rome after the utter devast ation of Rome after the utter devast ation of Rome after the utter devast ation of canny no one would have blamed the canny no one would have blamed the canny no one would have blamed the Romans had they just given up the Romans had they just given up the Romans had they just given up the history of the world could have very history of the world could have very history of the world could have very easily read something like but after the easily read something like but after the easily read something like but after the defeated cany the Romans surrendered defeated cany the Romans surrendered defeated cany the Romans surrendered they had been beaten soundly over and they had been beaten soundly over and they had been beaten soundly over and over again by Hannibal and on their own over again by Hannibal and on their own over again by Hannibal and on their own turf no less the Romans agreed to terms turf no less the Romans agreed to terms turf no less the Romans agreed to terms and their just recently acquired Empire and their just recently acquired Empire and their just recently acquired Empire was shattered next week on the history was shattered next week on the history was shattered next week on the history of Carthage we'll talk about Hannibal's of Carthage we'll talk about Hannibal's of Carthage we'll talk about Hannibal's falling out with Phillip and the war in falling out with Phillip and the war in falling out with Phillip and the war in the east the east the east but despite the obvious rationals for but despite the obvious rationals for but despite the obvious rationals for quitting the fight Rome's determination quitting the fight Rome's determination quitting the fight Rome's determination to carry on was only bolstered by their to carry on was only bolstered by their to carry on was only bolstered by their defeats the old Roman obstinacy was back defeats the old Roman obstinacy was back defeats the old Roman obstinacy was back with a with a with a vengeance that special blend of Honor vengeance that special blend of Honor vengeance that special blend of Honor pride and masochism that had seen the pride and masochism that had seen the pride and masochism that had seen the Romans through so much would see them Romans through so much would see them Romans through so much would see them through this their Darkest Hour as through this their Darkest Hour as through this their Darkest Hour as well that is not to say the Romans well that is not to say the Romans well that is not to say the Romans proceeded through their trial and proceeded through their trial and proceeded through their trial and changed on the contrary the early years changed on the contrary the early years changed on the contrary the early years of the second pun War fundamentally of the second pun War fundamentally of the second pun War fundamentally altered life in Rome it was altered life in Rome it was altered life in Rome it was simultaneously and paradoxically a time simultaneously and paradoxically a time simultaneously and paradoxically a time of both democratization and of both democratization and of both democratization and consolidation of power in the hands of consolidation of power in the hands of consolidation of power in the hands of the the the elites popular agitation and rival elites popular agitation and rival elites popular agitation and rival political factions had sent out field political factions had sent out field political factions had sent out field commanders with diametrically opposed commanders with diametrically opposed commanders with diametrically opposed aims and the confused Roman strategies aims and the confused Roman strategies aims and the confused Roman strategies had been easily exploited by Hannibal had been easily exploited by Hannibal had been easily exploited by Hannibal the case of Fabius and minucius pread

the case of Fabius and minucius pread the case of Fabius and minucius pread the much greater catastrophe that befell the much greater catastrophe that befell the much greater catastrophe that befell Vero and paulus Vero and paulus Vero and paulus but after canny the Senate took control but after canny the Senate took control but after canny the Senate took control of the war intent on Prosecuting the of the war intent on Prosecuting the of the war intent on Prosecuting the conflict with something resembling a conflict with something resembling a conflict with something resembling a consistent consistent consistent strategy the tribunes and the popular strategy the tribunes and the popular strategy the tribunes and the popular assemblies were shut out the need for assemblies were shut out the need for assemblies were shut out the need for quick and coherent policies made the quick and coherent policies made the quick and coherent policies made the slow turning wheels of democracy not slow turning wheels of democracy not slow turning wheels of democracy not just obsolete but just obsolete but just obsolete but dangerous the passions of the mob had dangerous the passions of the mob had dangerous the passions of the mob had sent Vera riding off to an ill-conceived sent Vera riding off to an ill-conceived sent Vera riding off to an ill-conceived battle that nearly destroyed the Empire battle that nearly destroyed the Empire battle that nearly destroyed the Empire the Senate was dead set against letting the Senate was dead set against letting the Senate was dead set against letting that sort of thing happen again the that sort of thing happen again the that sort of thing happen again the elite seized control and for the most elite seized control and for the most elite seized control and for the most part the people were content to go part the people were content to go part the people were content to go along but at the same time the seizure along but at the same time the seizure along but at the same time the seizure of power was going on the opportunities of power was going on the opportunities of power was going on the opportunities for political advancement had never been for political advancement had never been for political advancement had never been so readily so readily so readily available the sons of the great available the sons of the great available the sons of the great Patrician families were strewn across Patrician families were strewn across Patrician families were strewn across the battlefields of Italy these young the battlefields of Italy these young the battlefields of Italy these young men who would have filled the leadership men who would have filled the leadership men who would have filled the leadership positions for a generation were all dead positions for a generation were all dead positions for a generation were all dead now Rome needed praters and Ailes and now Rome needed praters and Ailes and now Rome needed praters and Ailes and Military tribunes anyone patrici or plee Military tribunes anyone patrici or plee Military tribunes anyone patrici or plee who showed a little initiative and who showed a little initiative and who showed a little initiative and bravery was liable to find himself given bravery was liable to find himself given bravery was liable to find himself given commands he otherwise could never dream commands he otherwise could never dream commands he otherwise could never dream of the Second Punic War was by necessity of the Second Punic War was by necessity of the Second Punic War was by necessity a time of great turnover in the a time of great turnover in the a time of great turnover in the leadership class and it was based again leadership class and it was based again leadership class and it was based again out of necessity on Merit rather than out of necessity on Merit rather than out of necessity on Merit rather than blood during this period the cream Rose blood during this period the cream Rose blood during this period the cream Rose to the top and Rome was well served for

to the top and Rome was well served for to the top and Rome was well served for embracing the transition so yes the embracing the transition so yes the embracing the transition so yes the elites took control but it was a elites took control but it was a elites took control but it was a merit-based elite open to merit-based elite open to merit-based elite open to all despite the plausibility that some all despite the plausibility that some all despite the plausibility that some in Rome would have been more than in Rome would have been more than in Rome would have been more than willing to talk peace with Hannibal the willing to talk peace with Hannibal the willing to talk peace with Hannibal the histories don't mention any internal histories don't mention any internal histories don't mention any internal conflict over what to do even to vilify conflict over what to do even to vilify conflict over what to do even to vilify some chicken-hearted minority who wanted some chicken-hearted minority who wanted some chicken-hearted minority who wanted out of the war it seems that on the out of the war it seems that on the out of the war it seems that on the subject of surrender the Romans were of subject of surrender the Romans were of subject of surrender the Romans were of one mind and they weren't about to do it one mind and they weren't about to do it one mind and they weren't about to do it so they re raised Legions from their so they re raised Legions from their so they re raised Legions from their seeming endless supply of Manpower seeming endless supply of Manpower seeming endless supply of Manpower though admittedly it was not as easy as though admittedly it was not as easy as though admittedly it was not as easy as before they had to both lower the before they had to both lower the before they had to both lower the youngest eligible age and raised the youngest eligible age and raised the youngest eligible age and raised the oldest eligible age and in an oldest eligible age and in an oldest eligible age and in an unprecedented move purchased 8,000 unprecedented move purchased 8,000 unprecedented move purchased 8,000 slaves from their various citizen owners slaves from their various citizen owners slaves from their various citizen owners and enrolled them into an army of their and enrolled them into an army of their and enrolled them into an army of their own under the command of Tiberius own under the command of Tiberius own under the command of Tiberius sempronius grus the great uncle of the sempronius grus the great uncle of the sempronius grus the great uncle of the famous grocky brothers who we will get famous grocky brothers who we will get famous grocky brothers who we will get to in a few to in a few to in a few weeks Hannibal's response to his weeks Hannibal's response to his weeks Hannibal's response to his smashing victory at canny was as I said smashing victory at canny was as I said smashing victory at canny was as I said last week to do last week to do last week to do nothing he did not march on Rome and nothing he did not march on Rome and nothing he did not march on Rome and really Force the Romans to think about really Force the Romans to think about really Force the Romans to think about what they were doing instead he returned what they were doing instead he returned what they were doing instead he returned to his strategy of cutting the Romans to his strategy of cutting the Romans to his strategy of cutting the Romans off from their off from their off from their allies and across the extended allies and across the extended allies and across the extended communication lines of the Mediterranean communication lines of the Mediterranean communication lines of the Mediterranean Hannibal stayed in contact with his Hannibal stayed in contact with his Hannibal stayed in contact with his brother hrao in Spain and they agreed brother hrao in Spain and they agreed brother hrao in Spain and they agreed that hasel should continue to press that hasel should continue to press that hasel should continue to press against the Romans in Iberia to prevent against the Romans in Iberia to prevent against the Romans in Iberia to prevent those stationed there from returning to

those stationed there from returning to those stationed there from returning to Italy to fight Italy to fight Italy to fight The Hope was to make the Romans fight The Hope was to make the Romans fight The Hope was to make the Romans fight for their territory outside of Italy for their territory outside of Italy for their territory outside of Italy while Hannibal made them fight on the while Hannibal made them fight on the while Hannibal made them fight on the peninsula itself the carthaginian peninsula itself the carthaginian peninsula itself the carthaginian brothers hoped to split the attention of brothers hoped to split the attention of brothers hoped to split the attention of the Romans in order to conquer them the Romans in order to conquer them the Romans in order to conquer them retaking Sicily in particular burned in retaking Sicily in particular burned in retaking Sicily in particular burned in the minds of both as their father had the minds of both as their father had the minds of both as their father had been forced to leave the island not as been forced to leave the island not as been forced to leave the island not as the brothers believed because he had the brothers believed because he had the brothers believed because he had been bested in the field but because he been bested in the field but because he been bested in the field but because he had been abandoned by carthaginian had been abandoned by carthaginian had been abandoned by carthaginian politicians the history of the stabbed politicians the history of the stabbed politicians the history of the stabbed in the back Theory stretches as you can in the back Theory stretches as you can in the back Theory stretches as you can see C far back into see C far back into see C far back into Antiquity and in 216 BC just after the Antiquity and in 216 BC just after the Antiquity and in 216 BC just after the battle of canny Fate stepped in to battle of canny Fate stepped in to battle of canny Fate stepped in to deliver the island to the deliver the island to the deliver the island to the carthaginians hirro king of Syracuse and carthaginians hirro king of Syracuse and carthaginians hirro king of Syracuse and stalwart Ally of Rome finally died after stalwart Ally of Rome finally died after stalwart Ally of Rome finally died after 53 years on the 53 years on the 53 years on the throne he was succeeded by his grandson throne he was succeeded by his grandson throne he was succeeded by his grandson heronimus who had just turned heronimus who had just turned heronimus who had just turned 15 though the Old King had never 15 though the Old King had never 15 though the Old King had never faltered in his allegiance to Rome a faltered in his allegiance to Rome a faltered in his allegiance to Rome a large bulk of the nobility was all for large bulk of the nobility was all for large bulk of the nobility was all for breaking away to the carthaginians breaking away to the carthaginians breaking away to the carthaginians especially after especially after especially after canny when heronimus ascended to the canny when heronimus ascended to the canny when heronimus ascended to the throne the impressionable youth was throne the impressionable youth was throne the impressionable youth was easily persuaded to invite the easily persuaded to invite the easily persuaded to invite the carthaginians onto the island a treaty carthaginians onto the island a treaty carthaginians onto the island a treaty was quickly concluded which promised Aid was quickly concluded which promised Aid was quickly concluded which promised Aid to Carthage in return for staying out of to Carthage in return for staying out of to Carthage in return for staying out of internal Sicilian internal Sicilian internal Sicilian Affairs the young king immediately began Affairs the young king immediately began Affairs the young king immediately began operations against the remaining Roman operations against the remaining Roman operations against the remaining Roman Legions on the Legions on the Legions on the island but heronimus proved himself to

island but heronimus proved himself to island but heronimus proved himself to be the prototyp typical depraved child be the prototyp typical depraved child be the prototyp typical depraved child Tyrant and his wanting displays of Tyrant and his wanting displays of Tyrant and his wanting displays of arrogant despotism soon raised the eye arrogant despotism soon raised the eye arrogant despotism soon raised the eye of many a of many a of many a syracusan there was still a sizable pro- syracusan there was still a sizable pro- syracusan there was still a sizable pro- Roman population within the upper class Roman population within the upper class Roman population within the upper class and while heronimus was out on campaign and while heronimus was out on campaign and while heronimus was out on campaign they had him assassinated much to the they had him assassinated much to the they had him assassinated much to the relief of the general relief of the general relief of the general public however the conspirators then public however the conspirators then public however the conspirators then badly overplayed their hand and murdered badly overplayed their hand and murdered badly overplayed their hand and murdered the rest of hyo's popular family and the rest of hyo's popular family and the rest of hyo's popular family and turn public opinion right back against turn public opinion right back against turn public opinion right back against them two carthaginian generals who had them two carthaginian generals who had them two carthaginian generals who had been sent to the island to advise been sent to the island to advise been sent to the island to advise heronimus were raised up by the heronimus were raised up by the heronimus were raised up by the syracusan soldiers and thrust into a syracusan soldiers and thrust into a syracusan soldiers and thrust into a position of supreme position of supreme position of supreme command they returned to Syracuse at the command they returned to Syracuse at the command they returned to Syracuse at the head of the army and ousted the pro- head of the army and ousted the pro- head of the army and ousted the pro- Roman leaders of the coup suddenly just Roman leaders of the coup suddenly just Roman leaders of the coup suddenly just like that a pair of carthaginian like that a pair of carthaginian like that a pair of carthaginian generals were in control of Syracuse and generals were in control of Syracuse and generals were in control of Syracuse and Sicily was back in the hands of Carthage Sicily was back in the hands of Carthage Sicily was back in the hands of Carthage just as Hannibal dreamed it would just as Hannibal dreamed it would just as Hannibal dreamed it would be news of this unexpected and be news of this unexpected and be news of this unexpected and fortuitous turn of event was music to fortuitous turn of event was music to fortuitous turn of event was music to the ears of Hannibal in Italy and hribal the ears of Hannibal in Italy and hribal the ears of Hannibal in Italy and hribal in in in Spain while Hannibal marched South to Spain while Hannibal marched South to Spain while Hannibal marched South to try and break the already shaky Roman try and break the already shaky Roman try and break the already shaky Roman allegiance of Magna Gracia hazra will allegiance of Magna Gracia hazra will allegiance of Magna Gracia hazra will attempted to coordinate a campaign attempted to coordinate a campaign attempted to coordinate a campaign against the skion against the skion against the skion brothers puus and nias skipio the father brothers puus and nias skipio the father brothers puus and nias skipio the father and Uncle of skipio Africanus however and Uncle of skipio Africanus however and Uncle of skipio Africanus however were proving to be more than a match for were proving to be more than a match for were proving to be more than a match for the carthaginian Army sent against them the carthaginian Army sent against them the carthaginian Army sent against them in in in Spain though hasel was ostensibly an Spain though hasel was ostensibly an Spain though hasel was ostensibly an overall command there

overall command there overall command there there were three carthaginian armies in there were three carthaginian armies in there were three carthaginian armies in the field and each General had his own the field and each General had his own the field and each General had his own idea about what ought to be done and who idea about what ought to be done and who idea about what ought to be done and who ought to receive the glory for driving ought to receive the glory for driving ought to receive the glory for driving the Romans out of the Romans out of the Romans out of Spain plus the Loyalty of the Spanish Spain plus the Loyalty of the Spanish Spain plus the Loyalty of the Spanish mercenaries was always in doubt as they mercenaries was always in doubt as they mercenaries was always in doubt as they made for the hills anytime there was made for the hills anytime there was made for the hills anytime there was real real real trouble nearly 5 years would pass trouble nearly 5 years would pass trouble nearly 5 years would pass without either side gaining much of without either side gaining much of without either side gaining much of anything in Spain the skonis did manage anything in Spain the skonis did manage anything in Spain the skonis did manage to take back sigam the city that had to take back sigam the city that had to take back sigam the city that had started the war but beyond that not much started the war but beyond that not much started the war but beyond that not much land changed land changed land changed hands the skippon were making All the hands the skippon were making All the hands the skippon were making All the Right Moves and in the tradition of Right Moves and in the tradition of Right Moves and in the tradition of Fabius avoided decisive battles that Fabius avoided decisive battles that Fabius avoided decisive battles that might knock them out of the fight as might knock them out of the fight as might knock them out of the fight as much as the carthaginians were intent on much as the carthaginians were intent on much as the carthaginians were intent on dividing Roman attention it was the dividing Roman attention it was the dividing Roman attention it was the Romans who were getting the better of Romans who were getting the better of Romans who were getting the better of splitting the theaters of splitting the theaters of splitting the theaters of focus hasel was looking to dispatch the focus hasel was looking to dispatch the focus hasel was looking to dispatch the skonis and make for Italy himself to skonis and make for Italy himself to skonis and make for Italy himself to meet up with Hannibal but the Romans meet up with Hannibal but the Romans meet up with Hannibal but the Romans were not going quietly into that good were not going quietly into that good were not going quietly into that good night but then in 211 BC the skonis made night but then in 211 BC the skonis made night but then in 211 BC the skonis made an ill-advised strategic decision that an ill-advised strategic decision that an ill-advised strategic decision that would bring them both to would bring them both to would bring them both to ruin bolstered by 20,000 celerian ruin bolstered by 20,000 celerian ruin bolstered by 20,000 celerian mercenaries the 30,000 Romans in Spain mercenaries the 30,000 Romans in Spain mercenaries the 30,000 Romans in Spain found themselves in a position where found themselves in a position where found themselves in a position where they outnumbered two nearby carthaginian they outnumbered two nearby carthaginian they outnumbered two nearby carthaginian armies including the force commanded by armies including the force commanded by armies including the force commanded by hasra the carthaginians had roughly hasra the carthaginians had roughly hasra the carthaginians had roughly 35,000 men at their disposal and the 35,000 men at their disposal and the 35,000 men at their disposal and the skonis decided time was ripe to punch skonis decided time was ripe to punch skonis decided time was ripe to punch out the carthaginians

out the carthaginians out the carthaginians they split their own army with nus they split their own army with nus they split their own army with nus leading about a third of the Romans and leading about a third of the Romans and leading about a third of the Romans and all the celb barians against haal while all the celb barians against haal while all the celb barians against haal while puus led the bulk of the Romans against puus led the bulk of the Romans against puus led the bulk of the Romans against the other carthaginian Army but the other carthaginian Army but the other carthaginian Army but unbeknown to the Roman generals the Army unbeknown to the Roman generals the Army unbeknown to the Roman generals the Army puus was attacking was in the process of puus was attacking was in the process of puus was attacking was in the process of being reinforced and the celb barians being reinforced and the celb barians being reinforced and the celb barians under Nas's command had been bribed to under Nas's command had been bribed to under Nas's command had been bribed to Desert at the outset of any Desert at the outset of any Desert at the outset of any battle so rather than having the battle so rather than having the battle so rather than having the advantage on both fronts the skones were advantage on both fronts the skones were advantage on both fronts the skones were outnumbered everywhere outnumbered everywhere outnumbered everywhere puus arrived at his objective first but puus arrived at his objective first but puus arrived at his objective first but after some confused night fighting and after some confused night fighting and after some confused night fighting and the surprised arrival of a large the surprised arrival of a large the surprised arrival of a large contingent of numidian Cavalry the contingent of numidian Cavalry the contingent of numidian Cavalry the Romans were pushed back and then broken Romans were pushed back and then broken Romans were pushed back and then broken pipio himself was killed in the fighting pipio himself was killed in the fighting pipio himself was killed in the fighting while only a small number of his army while only a small number of his army while only a small number of his army managed to managed to managed to escape unaware of what had happened to escape unaware of what had happened to escape unaware of what had happened to his brother Nas approached hasra with his brother Nas approached hasra with his brother Nas approached hasra with confidence the carthaginians stalled for confidence the carthaginians stalled for confidence the carthaginians stalled for time until he was sure that things in time until he was sure that things in time until he was sure that things in the north were unfolding according to the north were unfolding according to the north were unfolding according to plan and then formed up for plan and then formed up for plan and then formed up for battle NES ordered his men out and was battle NES ordered his men out and was battle NES ordered his men out and was horrified to find the Celtic barians horrified to find the Celtic barians horrified to find the Celtic barians good to their word at least in this case good to their word at least in this case good to their word at least in this case immediately immediately immediately deserted left with only about 10,000 deserted left with only about 10,000 deserted left with only about 10,000 troops Nas didn't stand a chance he troops Nas didn't stand a chance he troops Nas didn't stand a chance he oversaw one of the great last stands in oversaw one of the great last stands in oversaw one of the great last stands in history fortifying a hopeless position history fortifying a hopeless position history fortifying a hopeless position with saddles and backpacks and fighting with saddles and backpacks and fighting with saddles and backpacks and fighting it out to the last man in the span of a it out to the last man in the span of a it out to the last man in the span of a few days both Roman command ERS and the

few days both Roman command ERS and the few days both Roman command ERS and the bulk of the legions in Spain lay dead bulk of the legions in Spain lay dead bulk of the legions in Spain lay dead and 5 years of careful campaigning had and 5 years of careful campaigning had and 5 years of careful campaigning had been for been for been for not now I know what you're thinking how not now I know what you're thinking how not now I know what you're thinking how is it that the Romans lost every is it that the Romans lost every is it that the Romans lost every decisive battle and still managed to win decisive battle and still managed to win decisive battle and still managed to win the war well I'll tell you they didn't the war well I'll tell you they didn't the war well I'll tell you they didn't lose every decisive battle in the war in lose every decisive battle in the war in lose every decisive battle in the war in fact at the same time the Romans were fact at the same time the Romans were fact at the same time the Romans were losing in Spain they were winning in losing in Spain they were winning in losing in Spain they were winning in Sicily back on the island the Romans Sicily back on the island the Romans Sicily back on the island the Romans sent Marcus Claudius marcelus to sent Marcus Claudius marcelus to sent Marcus Claudius marcelus to reinforce the two Legions already reinforce the two Legions already reinforce the two Legions already stationed on the island at the time of stationed on the island at the time of stationed on the island at the time of hyo's death these numbers included the hyo's death these numbers included the hyo's death these numbers included the survivors of canny who were forced to survivors of canny who were forced to survivors of canny who were forced to serve an exile in Sicily without leave serve an exile in Sicily without leave serve an exile in Sicily without leave or any hope at all really of returning or any hope at all really of returning or any hope at all really of returning home broadly speaking the troops who home broadly speaking the troops who home broadly speaking the troops who survived canny did their best to die in survived canny did their best to die in survived canny did their best to die in battle where they could at least reclaim battle where they could at least reclaim battle where they could at least reclaim some of their lost some of their lost some of their lost honor Marcel's orders were simple take honor Marcel's orders were simple take honor Marcel's orders were simple take back Sicily and regain control contr of back Sicily and regain control contr of back Sicily and regain control contr of the vital Food Supplies Rome needed to the vital Food Supplies Rome needed to the vital Food Supplies Rome needed to survive with Hannibal off ravaging the survive with Hannibal off ravaging the survive with Hannibal off ravaging the Italian Italian Italian Countryside marcelus immediately ordered Countryside marcelus immediately ordered Countryside marcelus immediately ordered a Siege of Syracuse the city had yet to a Siege of Syracuse the city had yet to a Siege of Syracuse the city had yet to be taken by an invading Army and had be taken by an invading Army and had be taken by an invading Army and had repelled all comers quite handily over repelled all comers quite handily over repelled all comers quite handily over the years but marcelus was intent on the years but marcelus was intent on the years but marcelus was intent on Conquering the unconquerable city his Conquering the unconquerable city his Conquering the unconquerable city his first attempt though failed first attempt though failed first attempt though failed spectacularly just as had all the others spectacularly just as had all the others spectacularly just as had all the others the Ace in the Hole of the syracus was the Ace in the Hole of the syracus was the Ace in the Hole of the syracus was their great mathematician physicist

their great mathematician physicist their great mathematician physicist astronomer inventor and allaround Super astronomer inventor and allaround Super astronomer inventor and allaround Super Genius Archimedes who designed a number Genius Archimedes who designed a number Genius Archimedes who designed a number of defensive weapons for the city to of defensive weapons for the city to of defensive weapons for the city to help repel help repel help repel invaders for the current war effort invaders for the current war effort invaders for the current war effort Archimedes had designed grappling hooks Archimedes had designed grappling hooks Archimedes had designed grappling hooks that could be lowered from the walls and that could be lowered from the walls and that could be lowered from the walls and affect risk-free Devastation on Roman affect risk-free Devastation on Roman affect risk-free Devastation on Roman Naval assaults as well as catapults that Naval assaults as well as catapults that Naval assaults as well as catapults that launch ridiculously sized Boulders at launch ridiculously sized Boulders at launch ridiculously sized Boulders at the Romans with the Romans with the Romans with ease it should come as no surprise to ease it should come as no surprise to ease it should come as no surprise to anyone that the great scientist died di anyone that the great scientist died di anyone that the great scientist died di at the hands of a Roman soldier after at the hands of a Roman soldier after at the hands of a Roman soldier after the city was the city was the city was taken repelled in his initial assault taken repelled in his initial assault taken repelled in his initial assault Marcel settled in to starve the city Marcel settled in to starve the city Marcel settled in to starve the city out 2 and A2 years would pass before the out 2 and A2 years would pass before the out 2 and A2 years would pass before the stalemate was broken a group of stalemate was broken a group of stalemate was broken a group of pro-roman noble slipped through the pro-roman noble slipped through the pro-roman noble slipped through the lines and arranged to betray the city lines and arranged to betray the city lines and arranged to betray the city into Roman into Roman into Roman hands the Romans timed an attack to hands the Romans timed an attack to hands the Romans timed an attack to coincide with the local festival and coincide with the local festival and coincide with the local festival and managed to scale the walls and take managed to scale the walls and take managed to scale the walls and take control of most of the city before they control of most of the city before they control of most of the city before they were detected were detected were detected the carthaginian generals in charged the carthaginian generals in charged the carthaginian generals in charged retreated behind an inner wall holding retreated behind an inner wall holding retreated behind an inner wall holding up in the Citadel of the city another up in the Citadel of the city another up in the Citadel of the city another stalemate ensued the carthaginians stalemate ensued the carthaginians stalemate ensued the carthaginians attempted to relieve the City by sending attempted to relieve the City by sending attempted to relieve the City by sending a number of fleets but a combination of a number of fleets but a combination of a number of fleets but a combination of foul weather and Roman interference kept foul weather and Roman interference kept foul weather and Roman interference kept most help most help most help away to make matters worse a plague away to make matters worse a plague away to make matters worse a plague swept across Italy in 211 BC decimating swept across Italy in 211 BC decimating swept across Italy in 211 BC decimating the carthaginian Army looking for an the carthaginian Army looking for an the carthaginian Army looking for an opportunity to Aid the syracusan and opportunity to Aid the syracusan and opportunity to Aid the syracusan and bringing those trap inside to their bringing those trap inside to their bringing those trap inside to their knees after being abandoned by the

knees after being abandoned by the knees after being abandoned by the carthaginian generals those still carthaginian generals those still carthaginian generals those still holding out inside the city surrendered holding out inside the city surrendered holding out inside the city surrendered and marcelus claimed Syracuse for and marcelus claimed Syracuse for and marcelus claimed Syracuse for Rome then in an uncharacteristic display Rome then in an uncharacteristic display Rome then in an uncharacteristic display of barbarism marcelus turned his troops of barbarism marcelus turned his troops of barbarism marcelus turned his troops loose on the city with permission to loose on the city with permission to loose on the city with permission to haul off anything they haul off anything they haul off anything they could it was in the course of this could it was in the course of this could it was in the course of this looting that Archimedes was looting that Archimedes was looting that Archimedes was killed the sack of Syracuse shocked even killed the sack of Syracuse shocked even killed the sack of Syracuse shocked even the Romans who still looked with the Romans who still looked with the Romans who still looked with reverence on the great Greek city and reverence on the great Greek city and reverence on the great Greek city and were horrified to hear how poorly its were horrified to hear how poorly its were horrified to hear how poorly its citizens art and treasure had been citizens art and treasure had been citizens art and treasure had been treated however they were not so torn up treated however they were not so torn up treated however they were not so torn up that they did not celebrate Novation for that they did not celebrate Novation for that they did not celebrate Novation for marcelis upon his return to Rome so we'll leave Rome on an upbeat Rome so we'll leave Rome on an upbeat this week after ending the last two this week after ending the last two this week after ending the last two episodes with devastating Roman episodes with devastating Roman episodes with devastating Roman defeats even though they had lost the defeats even though they had lost the defeats even though they had lost the initiative in Spain they had turned the initiative in Spain they had turned the initiative in Spain they had turned the situation in Sicily around and secured situation in Sicily around and secured situation in Sicily around and secured most of the island once again for most of the island once again for most of the island once again for Rome next week we will return to Italy Rome next week we will return to Italy Rome next week we will return to Italy and Trace the movement of Hannibal and Trace the movement of Hannibal and Trace the movement of Hannibal during these years and follow the Romans during these years and follow the Romans during these years and follow the Romans as they followed Hannibal around and as they followed Hannibal around and as they followed Hannibal around and flip back cities Hannibal had flipped to flip back cities Hannibal had flipped to flip back cities Hannibal had flipped to the carthaginian the carthaginian the carthaginian cause there were few out andout battles cause there were few out andout battles cause there were few out andout battles between the two armies just a lot of between the two armies just a lot of between the two armies just a lot of territory swapping and internal territory swapping and internal territory swapping and internal political machinations between rival political machinations between rival political machinations between rival factions inside the Italian factions inside the Italian factions inside the Italian cities we will also introduce next week cities we will also introduce next week cities we will also introduce next week Young skipio africanist who would take Young skipio africanist who would take Young skipio africanist who would take command of the situation in Spain and command of the situation in Spain and command of the situation in Spain and attempt to avenge his father's defeat

attempt to avenge his father's defeat attempt to avenge his father's defeat there only 25 at the time he was given there only 25 at the time he was given there only 25 at the time he was given the command at this unprecedented age the command at this unprecedented age the command at this unprecedented age not because he displayed any great not because he displayed any great not because he displayed any great ability or seemed to be the savior of ability or seemed to be the savior of ability or seemed to be the savior of Rome but rather because he was the only Rome but rather because he was the only Rome but rather because he was the only one who volunteered for the job one who volunteered for the job one who volunteered for the job [Music] [Music] [Music] hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode 23d the war with Rome episode 23d the war with Rome episode 23d the war with Hannibal last week we detoured out of Hannibal last week we detoured out of Hannibal last week we detoured out of Italy to cover the Second Punic War in Italy to cover the Second Punic War in Italy to cover the Second Punic War in its two foreign theaters Spain and its two foreign theaters Spain and its two foreign theaters Spain and Sicily this week we will return to Sicily this week we will return to Sicily this week we will return to Hannibal's March through Rome's backyard Hannibal's March through Rome's backyard Hannibal's March through Rome's backyard and attempt to distill 10 years of and attempt to distill 10 years of and attempt to distill 10 years of complicated Allegiance switching threats complicated Allegiance switching threats complicated Allegiance switching threats revenge and posturing into a single revenge and posturing into a single revenge and posturing into a single podcast well actually half a podcast podcast well actually half a podcast podcast well actually half a podcast because we must also return to Spain because we must also return to Spain because we must also return to Spain with young skipio Africanus to pick up with young skipio Africanus to pick up with young skipio Africanus to pick up the ball where his father and uncle had the ball where his father and uncle had the ball where his father and uncle had left it by the end of today skipio left it by the end of today skipio left it by the end of today skipio ascendency will intersect with ascendency will intersect with ascendency will intersect with Hannibal's slow Decline and the stage Hannibal's slow Decline and the stage Hannibal's slow Decline and the stage will be set for the Final Act of the will be set for the Final Act of the will be set for the Final Act of the Second Punic War played out not in Italy Second Punic War played out not in Italy Second Punic War played out not in Italy as Hannibal planned but in North as Hannibal planned but in North as Hannibal planned but in North Africa but before we get to our two main Africa but before we get to our two main Africa but before we get to our two main focuses today we need to detour into the focuses today we need to detour into the focuses today we need to detour into the third major foreign theater of the war third major foreign theater of the war third major foreign theater of the war though critically important to the war though critically important to the war though critically important to the war effort the struggle with the macedonians effort the struggle with the macedonians effort the struggle with the macedonians in the East has thus far received little

in the East has thus far received little in the East has thus far received little attention because for the most part it attention because for the most part it attention because for the most part it featured Greek allies fighting on behalf featured Greek allies fighting on behalf featured Greek allies fighting on behalf of Rome rather than the Romans of Rome rather than the Romans of Rome rather than the Romans themselves and also because the war in themselves and also because the war in themselves and also because the war in the East served mostly to keep Philip the East served mostly to keep Philip the East served mostly to keep Philip the out of the war rather than unfolding the out of the war rather than unfolding the out of the war rather than unfolding as an integral part of that war though as an integral part of that war though as an integral part of that war though inextricably linked to the war with inextricably linked to the war with inextricably linked to the war with Hannibal the first Macedonian war was in Hannibal the first Macedonian war was in Hannibal the first Macedonian war was in many ways a completely separate animal many ways a completely separate animal many ways a completely separate animal it is important not so much much in the it is important not so much much in the it is important not so much much in the context of the Second Punic War but is a context of the Second Punic War but is a context of the Second Punic War but is a stage Setter for the next 50 years of stage Setter for the next 50 years of stage Setter for the next 50 years of Roman history which will revolve around Roman history which will revolve around Roman history which will revolve around the Roman conquest of Greece not long after canny Hannibal and Greece not long after canny Hannibal and Philip I of Macedon signed a formal Philip I of Macedon signed a formal Philip I of Macedon signed a formal treaty with one another and pledged treaty with one another and pledged treaty with one another and pledged mutual support against each other's mutual support against each other's mutual support against each other's enemies Philip was the young leader of a enemies Philip was the young leader of a enemies Philip was the young leader of a newly resurgent Macedon who had visions newly resurgent Macedon who had visions newly resurgent Macedon who had visions of reuniting Greece under Macedonian of reuniting Greece under Macedonian of reuniting Greece under Macedonian rule as his namesake Philip II father of rule as his namesake Philip II father of rule as his namesake Philip II father of Alexander had done Rome which had played Alexander had done Rome which had played Alexander had done Rome which had played no part in Philip II's calculations now no part in Philip II's calculations now no part in Philip II's calculations now loomed large in Philip I 5's the Romans loomed large in Philip I 5's the Romans loomed large in Philip I 5's the Romans were already entrenched in Alyria and were already entrenched in Alyria and were already entrenched in Alyria and despite their claims of merely temporary despite their claims of merely temporary despite their claims of merely temporary occupation they showed no signs of occupation they showed no signs of occupation they showed no signs of leaving after the disaster at canny leaving after the disaster at canny leaving after the disaster at canny Hannibal made formal overtures to the Hannibal made formal overtures to the Hannibal made formal overtures to the Macedonian King and Philip accepted at Macedonian King and Philip accepted at Macedonian King and Philip accepted at once the deal would leave Philip in once the deal would leave Philip in once the deal would leave Philip in control of Rome's Eastern territory when control of Rome's Eastern territory when control of Rome's Eastern territory when Hannibal inevitably won the war and Hannibal inevitably won the war and Hannibal inevitably won the war and provide Philip a steady carthaginian provide Philip a steady carthaginian provide Philip a steady carthaginian supply line for his planned move against supply line for his planned move against supply line for his planned move against the rest of Greece it also cemented a

the rest of Greece it also cemented a the rest of Greece it also cemented a mutual sphere of influence that delayed mutual sphere of influence that delayed mutual sphere of influence that delayed both sides fears of territorial both sides fears of territorial both sides fears of territorial encroachment deal in hand Philip's encroachment deal in hand Philip's encroachment deal in hand Philip's envoys returned to Macedon but on the envoys returned to Macedon but on the envoys returned to Macedon but on the way across the Adriatic they were way across the Adriatic they were way across the Adriatic they were captured by the Roman Navy immediately captured by the Roman Navy immediately captured by the Roman Navy immediately recognizing the danger of Hannibal's recognizing the danger of Hannibal's recognizing the danger of Hannibal's Eastern Alliance Rome was forced to turn Eastern Alliance Rome was forced to turn Eastern Alliance Rome was forced to turn its already divided attention to one its already divided attention to one its already divided attention to one more front more front more front but without troops to spare they sent a but without troops to spare they sent a but without troops to spare they sent a scant force of about 2,000 with orders scant force of about 2,000 with orders scant force of about 2,000 with orders to not simply engage Philip but instead to not simply engage Philip but instead to not simply engage Philip but instead to drum up Greek support for Rome and to drum up Greek support for Rome and to drum up Greek support for Rome and attempt to get the Greeks to fight attempt to get the Greeks to fight attempt to get the Greeks to fight Philip for Philip for Philip for them this turned out to be easier than them this turned out to be easier than them this turned out to be easier than they thought the Greeks were not happy they thought the Greeks were not happy they thought the Greeks were not happy in the slightest about Philip's in the slightest about Philip's in the slightest about Philip's Ambitions and despite their own Ambitions and despite their own Ambitions and despite their own prejudice against the barbaric Italians prejudice against the barbaric Italians prejudice against the barbaric Italians they recognize the Romans for what they they recognize the Romans for what they they recognize the Romans for what they were a force that could help blunt were a force that could help blunt were a force that could help blunt macedon's influence macedon's influence macedon's influence specifically Rome found a receptive specifically Rome found a receptive specifically Rome found a receptive audience in the atolan league a audience in the atolan league a audience in the atolan league a confederation of cities that stood confederation of cities that stood confederation of cities that stood between Macedon and Greece proper between Macedon and Greece proper between Macedon and Greece proper knowing they would be among the first knowing they would be among the first knowing they would be among the first swallowed by Philip's territorial swallowed by Philip's territorial swallowed by Philip's territorial ambition the aians Embraced Rome as ambition the aians Embraced Rome as ambition the aians Embraced Rome as their rode both to continued their rode both to continued their rode both to continued Independence and also possible dominance Independence and also possible dominance Independence and also possible dominance in a post-war Greece and agreed to help in a post-war Greece and agreed to help in a post-war Greece and agreed to help counter Philip anyway they counter Philip anyway they counter Philip anyway they could the Macedonian King had his eye on could the Macedonian King had his eye on could the Macedonian King had his eye on driving the Romans out of their Coastal driving the Romans out of their Coastal driving the Romans out of their Coastal garrisons in Lia so he could establish a garrisons in Lia so he could establish a garrisons in Lia so he could establish a port from which to launch attacks into port from which to launch attacks into port from which to launch attacks into Italy the itans agreed to launch Italy the itans agreed to launch Italy the itans agreed to launch incursions into Macedon every time

incursions into Macedon every time incursions into Macedon every time Philip tried to turn west so whenever Philip tried to turn west so whenever Philip tried to turn west so whenever Philip left for Alyria the Italians Philip left for Alyria the Italians Philip left for Alyria the Italians would begin making would begin making would begin making trouble the 10-year war of skirmishes is trouble the 10-year war of skirmishes is trouble the 10-year war of skirmishes is today in the context of Roman history today in the context of Roman history today in the context of Roman history called the first Macedonian War but that called the first Macedonian War but that called the first Macedonian War but that makes more of it than it really was it makes more of it than it really was it makes more of it than it really was it was the second Macedonian war that was the second Macedonian war that was the second Macedonian war that really marked the first time the Romans really marked the first time the Romans really marked the first time the Romans moved East and fought the Greeks moved East and fought the Greeks moved East and fought the Greeks directly though it was not a direct directly though it was not a direct directly though it was not a direct engagement between the Romans and engagement between the Romans and engagement between the Romans and macedonians and won the Romans no macedonians and won the Romans no macedonians and won the Romans no territory the battle in the East between territory the battle in the East between territory the battle in the East between the macedonians and the Roman Allied the macedonians and the Roman Allied the macedonians and the Roman Allied Greeks served the function it was meant Greeks served the function it was meant Greeks served the function it was meant to it kept Philip out of the war with to it kept Philip out of the war with to it kept Philip out of the war with Hannibal and this being the final upshot Hannibal and this being the final upshot Hannibal and this being the final upshot of all that fighting we will leave it at of all that fighting we will leave it at of all that fighting we will leave it at that and return to the greater War at hand one of the most important hand one of the most important consequences of annibals victory at consequences of annibals victory at consequences of annibals victory at canny was the decision by the nobility canny was the decision by the nobility canny was the decision by the nobility of capoa the second most important city of capoa the second most important city of capoa the second most important city in Italy to defect to the carthaginian in Italy to defect to the carthaginian in Italy to defect to the carthaginian side Hannibal expected this defection to side Hannibal expected this defection to side Hannibal expected this defection to be followed by the rest of Italy but it be followed by the rest of Italy but it be followed by the rest of Italy but it was not meant to be capua's alliance was not meant to be capua's alliance was not meant to be capua's alliance with the carthaginians did not sway the with the carthaginians did not sway the with the carthaginians did not sway the rest of Italy as Hannibal and no doubt rest of Italy as Hannibal and no doubt rest of Italy as Hannibal and no doubt the capn themselves hoped that it would the capn themselves hoped that it would the capn themselves hoped that it would rather than putting them in the Vanguard rather than putting them in the Vanguard rather than putting them in the Vanguard of History Capa actually found of History Capa actually found of History Capa actually found themselves immediately isolated and themselves immediately isolated and themselves immediately isolated and recognizing that they may have bought recognizing that they may have bought recognizing that they may have bought high on Hannibal's high on Hannibal's high on Hannibal's stock certainly capa's experience for stock certainly capa's experience for stock certainly capa's experience for the rest of the war was not a happy tale the rest of the war was not a happy tale the rest of the war was not a happy tale of preparing to rule Italy with

of preparing to rule Italy with of preparing to rule Italy with carthaginian backing but instead a sad carthaginian backing but instead a sad carthaginian backing but instead a sad tale of enduring a Roman Siege finally tale of enduring a Roman Siege finally tale of enduring a Roman Siege finally begging for forgiveness and ultimately a begging for forgiveness and ultimately a begging for forgiveness and ultimately a whole lot of whole lot of whole lot of beadings but for now it was all still beadings but for now it was all still beadings but for now it was all still sunshine and roses for Hannibal with sunshine and roses for Hannibal with sunshine and roses for Hannibal with Capa in his back pocket and Syracuse Capa in his back pocket and Syracuse Capa in his back pocket and Syracuse recently brought into the carthaginian recently brought into the carthaginian recently brought into the carthaginian fold Hannibal marched South to magn fold Hannibal marched South to magn fold Hannibal marched South to magn Gracia with High Gracia with High Gracia with High Hopes the Apex of carthaginian momentum Hopes the Apex of carthaginian momentum Hopes the Apex of carthaginian momentum came in 212 BC when Hannibal won control came in 212 BC when Hannibal won control came in 212 BC when Hannibal won control of the rich Greek Port City of of the rich Greek Port City of of the rich Greek Port City of taranum the pro- Roman party in the city taranum the pro- Roman party in the city taranum the pro- Roman party in the city was ousted by a group of young Nobles was ousted by a group of young Nobles was ousted by a group of young Nobles who handed the city over to the who handed the city over to the who handed the city over to the carthaginians the moment Fortune turned carthaginians the moment Fortune turned carthaginians the moment Fortune turned against Hannibal was there at tantum against Hannibal was there at tantum against Hannibal was there at tantum when as he marched into the city the when as he marched into the city the when as he marched into the city the Roman Garrison station there fought its Roman Garrison station there fought its Roman Garrison station there fought its way into the Citadel and held way into the Citadel and held way into the Citadel and held it the Citadel at taranum was situated it the Citadel at taranum was situated it the Citadel at taranum was situated on the coast and could be supplied on the coast and could be supplied on the coast and could be supplied independently of the rest of the city independently of the rest of the city independently of the rest of the city Hannibal was never able to dislodge The Hannibal was never able to dislodge The Hannibal was never able to dislodge The Garrison and so was denied a safe Garrison and so was denied a safe Garrison and so was denied a safe Italian port through which he could Italian port through which he could Italian port through which he could resupply his invasion Force this would resupply his invasion Force this would resupply his invasion Force this would prove critical down the road as the prove critical down the road as the prove critical down the road as the carthaginian Senate was loath to send carthaginian Senate was loath to send carthaginian Senate was loath to send Supply ships and men to reinforce Supply ships and men to reinforce Supply ships and men to reinforce Hannibal when there was no guarantee Hannibal when there was no guarantee Hannibal when there was no guarantee they would even reach they would even reach they would even reach him up until tantum almost nothing had him up until tantum almost nothing had him up until tantum almost nothing had gone against Hannibal this was the first gone against Hannibal this was the first gone against Hannibal this was the first time things hadn't gone exactly time things hadn't gone exactly time things hadn't gone exactly according to according to according to plan annoyed by this thorn in his side plan annoyed by this thorn in his side plan annoyed by this thorn in his side Hannibal's attention was forced back Hannibal's attention was forced back Hannibal's attention was forced back North to Capa where his new ally was

North to Capa where his new ally was North to Capa where his new ally was under siege by Roman under siege by Roman under siege by Roman forces after canny the Roman Grand forces after canny the Roman Grand forces after canny the Roman Grand strategy abandoned any hope of taking on strategy abandoned any hope of taking on strategy abandoned any hope of taking on Hannibal directly they had by now Hannibal directly they had by now Hannibal directly they had by now touched that hot stove enough to touched that hot stove enough to touched that hot stove enough to recognize that it burned so rather than recognize that it burned so rather than recognize that it burned so rather than sending an Army South to confront sending an Army South to confront sending an Army South to confront Hannibal they laid Siege to Capa and Hannibal they laid Siege to Capa and Hannibal they laid Siege to Capa and attempted to flip them back to the Roman attempted to flip them back to the Roman attempted to flip them back to the Roman side side side instead if any of you out there have instead if any of you out there have instead if any of you out there have ever played the ancient Chinese board ever played the ancient Chinese board ever played the ancient Chinese board game go you are probably familiar with game go you are probably familiar with game go you are probably familiar with the proverb whenn in doubt the proverb whenn in doubt the proverb whenn in doubt Tanuki which translates roughly whenn in Tanuki which translates roughly whenn in Tanuki which translates roughly whenn in doubt ignore your doubt ignore your doubt ignore your opponent good advice and the Romans were opponent good advice and the Romans were opponent good advice and the Romans were wise to take it by attacking capoa the wise to take it by attacking capoa the wise to take it by attacking capoa the Romans forced Hannibal into a position Romans forced Hannibal into a position Romans forced Hannibal into a position where he was reacting to Roman moves where he was reacting to Roman moves where he was reacting to Roman moves rather than the Romans reacting to his rather than the Romans reacting to his rather than the Romans reacting to his Rome for the first time in the war held Rome for the first time in the war held Rome for the first time in the war held the the the initiative Hannibal attempted to respond initiative Hannibal attempted to respond initiative Hannibal attempted to respond in kind to the Romans by embracing the in kind to the Romans by embracing the in kind to the Romans by embracing the concept of Tanuki himself and rather concept of Tanuki himself and rather concept of Tanuki himself and rather than making for capoa he drove instead than making for capoa he drove instead than making for capoa he drove instead for the one city he had studiously for the one city he had studiously for the one city he had studiously avoided Rome avoided Rome avoided Rome itself in 211 BC Hannibal marched within itself in 211 BC Hannibal marched within itself in 211 BC Hannibal marched within 2 miles of the city the closest he would 2 miles of the city the closest he would 2 miles of the city the closest he would ever get to Rome and waited for the ever get to Rome and waited for the ever get to Rome and waited for the Romans to fly into a panic lift The Romans to fly into a panic lift The Romans to fly into a panic lift The Siege at capoa and come running Siege at capoa and come running Siege at capoa and come running home but the Romans did not bite at the home but the Romans did not bite at the home but the Romans did not bite at the obvious Gambit they knew Hannibal's Army obvious Gambit they knew Hannibal's Army obvious Gambit they knew Hannibal's Army was not nearly strong enough to take was not nearly strong enough to take was not nearly strong enough to take Rome by force and so they only broke off Rome by force and so they only broke off Rome by force and so they only broke off a portion of their Siege Army to a portion of their Siege Army to a portion of their Siege Army to reinforce the

reinforce the reinforce the city Capo remained underarms and growing city Capo remained underarms and growing city Capo remained underarms and growing more desperate by the more desperate by the more desperate by the day his bluff called Hannibal was forced day his bluff called Hannibal was forced day his bluff called Hannibal was forced to to to withdraw the pro carthaginian leadership withdraw the pro carthaginian leadership withdraw the pro carthaginian leadership of Capa abandoned Now by Hannibal was of Capa abandoned Now by Hannibal was of Capa abandoned Now by Hannibal was overthrown by pro- Roman forces and the overthrown by pro- Roman forces and the overthrown by pro- Roman forces and the City City City surrendered the penalties for treason surrendered the penalties for treason surrendered the penalties for treason were harsh and the aforementioned were harsh and the aforementioned were harsh and the aforementioned beheadings commenced with bloody abandon beheadings commenced with bloody abandon beheadings commenced with bloody abandon though in typical Roman fashion their though in typical Roman fashion their though in typical Roman fashion their Fury was directed at the leadership not Fury was directed at the leadership not Fury was directed at the leadership not the city as a whole and the sanctions the city as a whole and the sanctions the city as a whole and the sanctions imposed on capoa were light compared to imposed on capoa were light compared to imposed on capoa were light compared to the stress their defection had put on the stress their defection had put on the stress their defection had put on the Roman war the Roman war the Roman war effort one of the main reasons I began effort one of the main reasons I began effort one of the main reasons I began the history of Rome in the first place the history of Rome in the first place the history of Rome in the first place was to distill the often mind-numbing was to distill the often mind-numbing was to distill the often mind-numbing minutia of the ancient historians into minutia of the ancient historians into minutia of the ancient historians into digestible digestible digestible chunks specifically the middle years of chunks specifically the middle years of chunks specifically the middle years of the Second Punic War is a period that the Second Punic War is a period that the Second Punic War is a period that cries for cries for cries for summarization Livy fills hundreds of summarization Livy fills hundreds of summarization Livy fills hundreds of pages detailing every lost city every pages detailing every lost city every pages detailing every lost city every betrayal every conversation with every betrayal every conversation with every betrayal every conversation with every political faction and every minor political faction and every minor political faction and every minor Skirmish the information is out there Skirmish the information is out there Skirmish the information is out there for those of you who would like more for those of you who would like more for those of you who would like more detail but I now offer with great relish detail but I now offer with great relish detail but I now offer with great relish a paragraph I have been kicking around a paragraph I have been kicking around a paragraph I have been kicking around in my head for the better part of a year in my head for the better part of a year in my head for the better part of a year the experience of capoa and taranum was the experience of capoa and taranum was the experience of capoa and taranum was repeated ad nauseum over the next few repeated ad nauseum over the next few repeated ad nauseum over the next few years Hannibal would take a city and years Hannibal would take a city and years Hannibal would take a city and then move on the Romans would follow then move on the Romans would follow then move on the Romans would follow behind and return it to the Roman fold behind and return it to the Roman fold behind and return it to the Roman fold Hannibal would then be forced to either

Hannibal would then be forced to either Hannibal would then be forced to either backtrack and refight for land he had backtrack and refight for land he had backtrack and refight for land he had already taken or give up what he had already taken or give up what he had already taken or give up what he had gotten and hope for better luck the next gotten and hope for better luck the next gotten and hope for better luck the next time around the two armies occasionally time around the two armies occasionally time around the two armies occasionally came into direct contact sometimes came into direct contact sometimes came into direct contact sometimes Hannibal would win sometimes the Romans Hannibal would win sometimes the Romans Hannibal would win sometimes the Romans would but Victory no longer took the would but Victory no longer took the would but Victory no longer took the form form of annihilated armies but form form of annihilated armies but form form of annihilated armies but rather strategic withdrawals and prudent rather strategic withdrawals and prudent rather strategic withdrawals and prudent retreats in this way 5 years passed retreats in this way 5 years passed retreats in this way 5 years passed beautiful that said I now want to shift beautiful that said I now want to shift beautiful that said I now want to shift gears and move out of Italy and back to gears and move out of Italy and back to gears and move out of Italy and back to Spain where after the defeat of the Spain where after the defeat of the Spain where after the defeat of the skion army it looked for all the world skion army it looked for all the world skion army it looked for all the world as if the Romans would never regain as if the Romans would never regain as if the Romans would never regain their footing certainly no Roman general their footing certainly no Roman general their footing certainly no Roman general was eager to take up the difficult task was eager to take up the difficult task was eager to take up the difficult task in Spain all that remained in Iberia was in Spain all that remained in Iberia was in Spain all that remained in Iberia was the bare remnants of of the defeated the bare remnants of of the defeated the bare remnants of of the defeated Legions a horde of carthaginians and Legions a horde of carthaginians and Legions a horde of carthaginians and hostile Spanish hostile Spanish hostile Spanish tribes officially Rome had no intention tribes officially Rome had no intention tribes officially Rome had no intention of giving up in Spain but practically of giving up in Spain but practically of giving up in Spain but practically speaking they were about to do just speaking they were about to do just speaking they were about to do just that into this leadership vacuum stepped that into this leadership vacuum stepped that into this leadership vacuum stepped a young man skipio Africanus who was a young man skipio Africanus who was a young man skipio Africanus who was destined to become a towering figure in destined to become a towering figure in destined to become a towering figure in Roman Roman Roman history in the lineage of truly great history in the lineage of truly great history in the lineage of truly great great Romans the short list begins with great Romans the short list begins with great Romans the short list begins with Romulus passes to Camis and then passes Romulus passes to Camis and then passes Romulus passes to Camis and then passes to skipio perhaps the greatest of them to skipio perhaps the greatest of them to skipio perhaps the greatest of them all it was not until Julius Caesar 250 all it was not until Julius Caesar 250 all it was not until Julius Caesar 250 years later that Rome would again see a years later that Rome would again see a years later that Rome would again see a man with the stature of skipio man with the stature of skipio man with the stature of skipio Africanus now of course he was not Africanus now of course he was not Africanus now of course he was not called skipio Africanus at this point he

called skipio Africanus at this point he called skipio Africanus at this point he was still simply puus skipio son of puus was still simply puus skipio son of puus was still simply puus skipio son of puus skipio the Elder he would not earn the skipio the Elder he would not earn the skipio the Elder he would not earn the cognum africanis until after he returned cognum africanis until after he returned cognum africanis until after he returned from Zama having won the Second Punic from Zama having won the Second Punic from Zama having won the Second Punic War for War for War for Rome but that was still a ways in the Rome but that was still a ways in the Rome but that was still a ways in the future at this point he was an untested future at this point he was an untested future at this point he was an untested youth of barely 25 who impetuously youth of barely 25 who impetuously youth of barely 25 who impetuously stepped forward into the Senate and stepped forward into the Senate and stepped forward into the Senate and offered to take up the command in Spain offered to take up the command in Spain offered to take up the command in Spain if nobody else would the Senate was not if nobody else would the Senate was not if nobody else would the Senate was not crazy about the idea but under the crazy about the idea but under the crazy about the idea but under the circumstances they figured they had circumstances they figured they had circumstances they figured they had nothing to lose it was essentially take nothing to lose it was essentially take nothing to lose it was essentially take a chance on skipio or admit defea in a chance on skipio or admit defea in a chance on skipio or admit defea in Spain so to skipio went the Spain so to skipio went the Spain so to skipio went the command now it was not just his youth command now it was not just his youth command now it was not just his youth that worri the old Roman guard but the that worri the old Roman guard but the that worri the old Roman guard but the person personality of skipio in person personality of skipio in person personality of skipio in particular old war horses like Fabius particular old war horses like Fabius particular old war horses like Fabius did not like the look of young skipio did not like the look of young skipio did not like the look of young skipio one bit for one thing he had horror of one bit for one thing he had horror of one bit for one thing he had horror of Horrors long hair like a woman for Horrors long hair like a woman for Horrors long hair like a woman for another thing he had a distressing habit another thing he had a distressing habit another thing he had a distressing habit of talking as if he personally spoke to of talking as if he personally spoke to of talking as if he personally spoke to the gods and was acting on their behalf the gods and was acting on their behalf the gods and was acting on their behalf in later years he would often return in later years he would often return in later years he would often return from long strolls and announced battle from long strolls and announced battle from long strolls and announced battle plans as if they had been given to him plans as if they had been given to him plans as if they had been given to him by Mars by Mars by Mars himself finally and most Troublesome of himself finally and most Troublesome of himself finally and most Troublesome of all to the keepers of tradition all to the keepers of tradition all to the keepers of tradition tradition skipio seemed to Delight in tradition skipio seemed to Delight in tradition skipio seemed to Delight in flouting he was enormously flouting he was enormously flouting he was enormously charismatic skipio represented a charismatic skipio represented a charismatic skipio represented a Changing of the Guard and despite his Changing of the Guard and despite his Changing of the Guard and despite his success or perhaps because of it he was success or perhaps because of it he was success or perhaps because of it he was looked upon with real fear by his Elders

looked upon with real fear by his Elders looked upon with real fear by his Elders he was an incredibly magnetic cross he was an incredibly magnetic cross he was an incredibly magnetic cross between Jim Morrison Alexander the Great between Jim Morrison Alexander the Great between Jim Morrison Alexander the Great and Jesus for those looking to keep and Jesus for those looking to keep and Jesus for those looking to keep things exactly as they are a figure like things exactly as they are a figure like things exactly as they are a figure like that leads to many a sleepless night but sko's flouting of tradition was the but sko's flouting of tradition was the key to his key to his key to his success he and old Fabius agreed on one success he and old Fabius agreed on one success he and old Fabius agreed on one thing however the Roman Legions thing however the Roman Legions thing however the Roman Legions presently constituted were no match for presently constituted were no match for presently constituted were no match for the the the carthaginians but where Fabius read this carthaginians but where Fabius read this carthaginians but where Fabius read this to mean the carthaginians should not be to mean the carthaginians should not be to mean the carthaginians should not be fought directly skipio read it to mean fought directly skipio read it to mean fought directly skipio read it to mean that the Romans had to fundamentally that the Romans had to fundamentally that the Romans had to fundamentally alter their alter their alter their tactics Hannibal beat the Romans over tactics Hannibal beat the Romans over tactics Hannibal beat the Romans over and over again with cunning and and over again with cunning and and over again with cunning and Imagination so where the Romans had Imagination so where the Romans had Imagination so where the Romans had previously shown nothing but uninspired previously shown nothing but uninspired previously shown nothing but uninspired plotting skipio hoped to give the plotting skipio hoped to give the plotting skipio hoped to give the carthaginians a taste of their own carthaginians a taste of their own carthaginians a taste of their own medicine and outthink his opponents medicine and outthink his opponents medicine and outthink his opponents rather than simply try and out fight rather than simply try and out fight rather than simply try and out fight them he arrived in Spain with 10,000 men them he arrived in Spain with 10,000 men them he arrived in Spain with 10,000 men in 210 BC with vague instructions to in 210 BC with vague instructions to in 210 BC with vague instructions to regain lost Roman regain lost Roman regain lost Roman territory but skipio had no intention of territory but skipio had no intention of territory but skipio had no intention of Simply fighting a defensive War his Simply fighting a defensive War his Simply fighting a defensive War his long-term goal was to end the war long-term goal was to end the war long-term goal was to end the war completely and saw Spain as his Proving completely and saw Spain as his Proving completely and saw Spain as his Proving Ground Ground Ground if he succeeded here the Senate might if he succeeded here the Senate might if he succeeded here the Senate might offer him overall command of the legions offer him overall command of the legions offer him overall command of the legions and allow him to pursue his real dream and allow him to pursue his real dream and allow him to pursue his real dream of invading North Africa and conquering of invading North Africa and conquering of invading North Africa and conquering Carthage there was no way he could Carthage there was no way he could Carthage there was no way he could convince the conservative Senate today convince the conservative Senate today convince the conservative Senate today but if he drove the carthaginians out of but if he drove the carthaginians out of but if he drove the carthaginians out of Spain he just might gain their

Spain he just might gain their Spain he just might gain their ear after spending his first year in ear after spending his first year in ear after spending his first year in Spain getting a feel for the land and Spain getting a feel for the land and Spain getting a feel for the land and the locals he embarked on an audacious the locals he embarked on an audacious the locals he embarked on an audacious assault of the largest strongest and assault of the largest strongest and assault of the largest strongest and richest of the carthaginian stre richest of the carthaginian stre richest of the carthaginian stre stronghold new stronghold new stronghold new Carthage the three carthaginian armies Carthage the three carthaginian armies Carthage the three carthaginian armies still out in the field had no idea the still out in the field had no idea the still out in the field had no idea the new Roman Commander would attempt such a new Roman Commander would attempt such a new Roman Commander would attempt such a suicidal move but the element of suicidal move but the element of suicidal move but the element of surprise was the element skipio coveted surprise was the element skipio coveted surprise was the element skipio coveted most and so he did the last thing most and so he did the last thing most and so he did the last thing anybody would expect of him and ordered anybody would expect of him and ordered anybody would expect of him and ordered his army to march on new his army to march on new his army to march on new Carthage not even his subordinate Carthage not even his subordinate Carthage not even his subordinate commanders knew their true commanders knew their true commanders knew their true destination the only other Roman who was destination the only other Roman who was destination the only other Roman who was in on the plan was a close skipio in on the plan was a close skipio in on the plan was a close skipio confidence named leus who commanded the confidence named leus who commanded the confidence named leus who commanded the Roman Navy in the area he was ordered to Roman Navy in the area he was ordered to Roman Navy in the area he was ordered to make for new Carthage and simultaneously make for new Carthage and simultaneously make for new Carthage and simultaneously attack from sea as skipio engaged from attack from sea as skipio engaged from attack from sea as skipio engaged from the the the land the small Garrison at new Carthage land the small Garrison at new Carthage land the small Garrison at new Carthage was shocked when the Roman Navy appeared was shocked when the Roman Navy appeared was shocked when the Roman Navy appeared on the horizon and was doubly shocked on the horizon and was doubly shocked on the horizon and was doubly shocked when a Roman army came marching over the when a Roman army came marching over the when a Roman army came marching over the hill the nearest carthaginian army was hill the nearest carthaginian army was hill the nearest carthaginian army was days away more than enough time skipio days away more than enough time skipio days away more than enough time skipio felt to take the city and fortify it felt to take the city and fortify it felt to take the city and fortify it before reinforcements could arrive before reinforcements could arrive before reinforcements could arrive he attempted a direct assault on the he attempted a direct assault on the he attempted a direct assault on the first day but was repelled that night he first day but was repelled that night he first day but was repelled that night he received a critical piece of received a critical piece of received a critical piece of intelligence a local pointed out that at intelligence a local pointed out that at intelligence a local pointed out that at certain times during the day the Lagoon certain times during the day the Lagoon certain times during the day the Lagoon that bordered one of the walls of the that bordered one of the walls of the that bordered one of the walls of the city drained out with the tides and city drained out with the tides and city drained out with the tides and became shallow enough to became shallow enough to became shallow enough to forward the next morning skia ordered a

forward the next morning skia ordered a forward the next morning skia ordered a Full Assault on the front gate and the Full Assault on the front gate and the Full Assault on the front gate and the Defenders of the city concentrated all Defenders of the city concentrated all Defenders of the city concentrated all their attention on that their attention on that their attention on that spot skipio himself led a small spot skipio himself led a small spot skipio himself led a small contingent through the shallow and contingent through the shallow and contingent through the shallow and unwatched Lagoon and scaled the walls unwatched Lagoon and scaled the walls unwatched Lagoon and scaled the walls they easily overpowered what resistance they easily overpowered what resistance they easily overpowered what resistance they found and when the Romans suddenly they found and when the Romans suddenly they found and when the Romans suddenly appeared behind the troops defending the appeared behind the troops defending the appeared behind the troops defending the wall the carthaginians panicked and wall the carthaginians panicked and wall the carthaginians panicked and broke for the Citadel allowing skipio to broke for the Citadel allowing skipio to broke for the Citadel allowing skipio to open the gate and let the rest of his open the gate and let the rest of his open the gate and let the rest of his army in it was only a matter of time army in it was only a matter of time army in it was only a matter of time before the unprovisioned force in the before the unprovisioned force in the before the unprovisioned force in the Citadel was forced to surrender in about Citadel was forced to surrender in about Citadel was forced to surrender in about 36 hours skipio had captured the 36 hours skipio had captured the 36 hours skipio had captured the carthaginian capital carthaginian capital carthaginian capital in a Savvy move designed to gain Spanish in a Savvy move designed to gain Spanish in a Savvy move designed to gain Spanish support skipio released the members of support skipio released the members of support skipio released the members of the various local ruling families who the various local ruling families who the various local ruling families who had been held by the carthaginians as had been held by the carthaginians as had been held by the carthaginians as hostages by this one act alone skipio hostages by this one act alone skipio hostages by this one act alone skipio did more for the Roman position in Spain did more for the Roman position in Spain did more for the Roman position in Spain than all the battles in the world ever than all the battles in the world ever than all the battles in the world ever could the carthaginians were immediately could the carthaginians were immediately could the carthaginians were immediately on the defensive and found their Spanish on the defensive and found their Spanish on the defensive and found their Spanish allies deserting and droves but skipio allies deserting and droves but skipio allies deserting and droves but skipio as I said had no intention of staying as I said had no intention of staying as I said had no intention of staying put and fighting a defensive War put and fighting a defensive War put and fighting a defensive War leaving a Garrison behind to protect the leaving a Garrison behind to protect the leaving a Garrison behind to protect the newly conquered City he marched out with newly conquered City he marched out with newly conquered City he marched out with the rest of his army in search of hable the rest of his army in search of hable the rest of his army in search of hable Hannibal's brother and the architect of Hannibal's brother and the architect of Hannibal's brother and the architect of the skipio family the skipio family the skipio family dishonor in 208 BC skipio caught up to dishonor in 208 BC skipio caught up to dishonor in 208 BC skipio caught up to Hazel and fought a running battle Hazel and fought a running battle Hazel and fought a running battle against the carthaginians in the middle against the carthaginians in the middle against the carthaginians in the middle of Spain hasel however managed to slip

of Spain hasel however managed to slip of Spain hasel however managed to slip away and Lead his army Northwest to the away and Lead his army Northwest to the away and Lead his army Northwest to the Atlantic coast Hannibal's brother had Atlantic coast Hannibal's brother had Atlantic coast Hannibal's brother had decided fighting young skipio in Spain decided fighting young skipio in Spain decided fighting young skipio in Spain would be counterproductive and made the would be counterproductive and made the would be counterproductive and made the decision to leave Spain for Italy the decision to leave Spain for Italy the decision to leave Spain for Italy the best way to regain the upper hand in best way to regain the upper hand in best way to regain the upper hand in Spain he figured was to deal the Romans Spain he figured was to deal the Romans Spain he figured was to deal the Romans another crushing blow in another crushing blow in another crushing blow in Italy but that was the plan hatched Italy but that was the plan hatched Italy but that was the plan hatched between the two Baraka Brothers the between the two Baraka Brothers the between the two Baraka Brothers the carthaginian Senate on the other hand carthaginian Senate on the other hand carthaginian Senate on the other hand was not ready to seed span to skipio was not ready to seed span to skipio was not ready to seed span to skipio quite so easily and sent 50,000 quite so easily and sent 50,000 quite so easily and sent 50,000 reinforcements to defeat the young reinforcements to defeat the young reinforcements to defeat the young Dynamic Roman Dynamic Roman Dynamic Roman General in 206 DC the two sides met near General in 206 DC the two sides met near General in 206 DC the two sides met near lippia the battle that followed would be lippia the battle that followed would be lippia the battle that followed would be tactically at least sko's finest tactically at least sko's finest tactically at least sko's finest Hour outnumbering the Romans by a Hour outnumbering the Romans by a Hour outnumbering the Romans by a sizable margin the carthaginians were sizable margin the carthaginians were sizable margin the carthaginians were confident they could beat the so far confident they could beat the so far confident they could beat the so far undefeated skipio but the Roman general undefeated skipio but the Roman general undefeated skipio but the Roman general taking a page from Hannibal's Playbook taking a page from Hannibal's Playbook taking a page from Hannibal's Playbook employed a clever trick that turned a employed a clever trick that turned a employed a clever trick that turned a Longshot win into an easy Longshot win into an easy Longshot win into an easy Victory each morning the two sides would Victory each morning the two sides would Victory each morning the two sides would line up for battle and wait for the line up for battle and wait for the line up for battle and wait for the other to make a move and each day other to make a move and each day other to make a move and each day neither would budge and the day would neither would budge and the day would neither would budge and the day would pass without a pass without a pass without a battle when skipio deployed his troops battle when skipio deployed his troops battle when skipio deployed his troops he concentrated the core of the legions he concentrated the core of the legions he concentrated the core of the legions in the center and placed his Spanish in the center and placed his Spanish in the center and placed his Spanish allies on the wings the opposing allies on the wings the opposing allies on the wings the opposing carthaginian General got used to this carthaginian General got used to this carthaginian General got used to this formation and placed his strongest formation and placed his strongest formation and placed his strongest troops in the center and his own weaker troops in the center and his own weaker troops in the center and his own weaker Spanish mercenaries on the

Spanish mercenaries on the Spanish mercenaries on the wings on the morning skipio had decided wings on the morning skipio had decided wings on the morning skipio had decided to fight however he switched things up to fight however he switched things up to fight however he switched things up but first he took revenge on the but first he took revenge on the but first he took revenge on the carthaginians for the Roman defeat at carthaginians for the Roman defeat at carthaginians for the Roman defeat at trebia a battle skipio was very likely trebia a battle skipio was very likely trebia a battle skipio was very likely at he ordered out his Cavalry early in at he ordered out his Cavalry early in at he ordered out his Cavalry early in the morning to attack the carthaginian the morning to attack the carthaginian the morning to attack the carthaginian camp in a reverse of the previous battle camp in a reverse of the previous battle camp in a reverse of the previous battle this time it was the carthaginians who this time it was the carthaginians who this time it was the carthaginians who were roused from their beds and forced were roused from their beds and forced were roused from their beds and forced to charge out without a good to charge out without a good to charge out without a good breakfast they formed for battle in the breakfast they formed for battle in the breakfast they formed for battle in the usual wine but the Romans as I said usual wine but the Romans as I said usual wine but the Romans as I said switched things up skipio put the switched things up skipio put the switched things up skipio put the Spanish in the center and deployed the Spanish in the center and deployed the Spanish in the center and deployed the legions on the wings when the legions on the wings when the legions on the wings when the carthaginian general did not notice the carthaginian general did not notice the carthaginian general did not notice the switch skipio knew victory was his for switch skipio knew victory was his for switch skipio knew victory was his for the the the taking he waited most of the day while taking he waited most of the day while taking he waited most of the day while the carthaginians suffered hungry and the carthaginians suffered hungry and the carthaginians suffered hungry and tired under the hot afternoon sun and tired under the hot afternoon sun and tired under the hot afternoon sun and then ordered the attack the Roman Wings then ordered the attack the Roman Wings then ordered the attack the Roman Wings led the charge easily destroying the led the charge easily destroying the led the charge easily destroying the overmatched opposing Spanish Wings the overmatched opposing Spanish Wings the overmatched opposing Spanish Wings the libyans and carthaginians at the center libyans and carthaginians at the center libyans and carthaginians at the center of the other Army suddenly found of the other Army suddenly found of the other Army suddenly found themselves flanked on both sides by the themselves flanked on both sides by the themselves flanked on both sides by the Romans in the confusion they didn't even Romans in the confusion they didn't even Romans in the confusion they didn't even charge forward to attack the Roman charge forward to attack the Roman charge forward to attack the Roman Center made up of the weak Spanish Center made up of the weak Spanish Center made up of the weak Spanish mercenaries where they may have won an mercenaries where they may have won an mercenaries where they may have won an Escape Route instead they stayed put and Escape Route instead they stayed put and Escape Route instead they stayed put and were caught in a were caught in a were caught in a pincer the only thing that saved them pincer the only thing that saved them pincer the only thing that saved them was that the weather turned ugly and was that the weather turned ugly and was that the weather turned ugly and rain turned the field into a mud clogged rain turned the field into a mud clogged rain turned the field into a mud clogged morass the carthaginians were able to morass the carthaginians were able to morass the carthaginians were able to escape but their will was broken

escape but their will was broken escape but their will was broken Hannibal pursued the fleeing Army and Hannibal pursued the fleeing Army and Hannibal pursued the fleeing Army and destroyed them a few weeks destroyed them a few weeks destroyed them a few weeks later when skipio entered Spain the later when skipio entered Spain the later when skipio entered Spain the carthaginians controlled practically the carthaginians controlled practically the carthaginians controlled practically the entire country but now the Romans were entire country but now the Romans were entire country but now the Romans were the Undisputed the Undisputed the Undisputed Masters carthaginian influence in Spain Masters carthaginian influence in Spain Masters carthaginian influence in Spain was over and in a few years hence the was over and in a few years hence the was over and in a few years hence the Great War itself would be over as Great War itself would be over as Great War itself would be over as well skipio now had all the clout he well skipio now had all the clout he well skipio now had all the clout he needed to take his master plan to the needed to take his master plan to the needed to take his master plan to the Senate there would be fierce resistance Senate there would be fierce resistance Senate there would be fierce resistance for his idea of an African Invasion but for his idea of an African Invasion but for his idea of an African Invasion but skipio Charisma and track record would skipio Charisma and track record would skipio Charisma and track record would carry the carry the carry the day next week we will follow hael in his day next week we will follow hael in his day next week we will follow hael in his desperate effort to link up with his desperate effort to link up with his desperate effort to link up with his brother in Italy and form an army large brother in Italy and form an army large brother in Italy and form an army large enough to attack Rome I don't think I'll enough to attack Rome I don't think I'll enough to attack Rome I don't think I'll be giving anything away by revealing be giving anything away by revealing be giving anything away by revealing hrao was stopped in the last pivotal hrao was stopped in the last pivotal hrao was stopped in the last pivotal Battle of the war fought in Battle of the war fought in Battle of the war fought in Italy without hope of reinforcement Italy without hope of reinforcement Italy without hope of reinforcement Hannibal's decade long Invasion would Hannibal's decade long Invasion would Hannibal's decade long Invasion would run out of steam and he would be run out of steam and he would be run out of steam and he would be recalled when the Romans decided to take recalled when the Romans decided to take recalled when the Romans decided to take another chance on skipio and authorize another chance on skipio and authorize another chance on skipio and authorize his invasion of his invasion of his invasion of [Music] Africa hello and welcome to the history Africa hello and welcome to the history of Rome episode 23e the war with of Rome episode 23e the war with of Rome episode 23e the war with Hannibal though neither side was aware Hannibal though neither side was aware Hannibal though neither side was aware of it the long war between Rome and

of it the long war between Rome and of it the long war between Rome and Carthage was was marching inexorably Carthage was was marching inexorably Carthage was was marching inexorably towards a final conclusion for the towards a final conclusion for the towards a final conclusion for the Romans the scourge of Hannibal seemed a Romans the scourge of Hannibal seemed a Romans the scourge of Hannibal seemed a virus they would never be able to purge virus they would never be able to purge virus they would never be able to purge from their from their from their body not strong enough to conquer the body not strong enough to conquer the body not strong enough to conquer the Romans yet too strong to just be driven Romans yet too strong to just be driven Romans yet too strong to just be driven off Hannibal had wrecked havoc in Italy off Hannibal had wrecked havoc in Italy off Hannibal had wrecked havoc in Italy for a decade and there was no indication for a decade and there was no indication for a decade and there was no indication he would ever he would ever he would ever leave the Fabian strategy of countering leave the Fabian strategy of countering leave the Fabian strategy of countering Hannibal's political moves without Hannibal's political moves without Hannibal's political moves without risking open battle was by now firmly risking open battle was by now firmly risking open battle was by now firmly entrenched even those commanders who entrenched even those commanders who entrenched even those commanders who broke from this tradition found broke from this tradition found broke from this tradition found themselves chasing after a ghost themselves chasing after a ghost themselves chasing after a ghost Hannibal would never fight a battle not Hannibal would never fight a battle not Hannibal would never fight a battle not of his own devising and stayed forever of his own devising and stayed forever of his own devising and stayed forever one step ahead of Roman one step ahead of Roman one step ahead of Roman Pursuit Hannibal himself knew that Pursuit Hannibal himself knew that Pursuit Hannibal himself knew that things could not go on like this things could not go on like this things could not go on like this forever the carthaginian Senate was forever the carthaginian Senate was forever the carthaginian Senate was growing weary of the war supplies and growing weary of the war supplies and growing weary of the war supplies and reinforcements were produced in ever reinforcements were produced in ever reinforcements were produced in ever shrinking amounts after ever more shrinking amounts after ever more shrinking amounts after ever more cajoling if things kept going in this cajoling if things kept going in this cajoling if things kept going in this direction Hannibal would find himself direction Hannibal would find himself direction Hannibal would find himself isolated in enemy territory abandoned by isolated in enemy territory abandoned by isolated in enemy territory abandoned by his country it was fast turning into a his country it was fast turning into a his country it was fast turning into a replay of his father's war in replay of his father's war in replay of his father's war in Sicily Hannibal could see the writing on Sicily Hannibal could see the writing on Sicily Hannibal could see the writing on the wall he did not have the money or the wall he did not have the money or the wall he did not have the money or manpower to launch a decisive offensive manpower to launch a decisive offensive manpower to launch a decisive offensive even if the Shell Shocked Romans still even if the Shell Shocked Romans still even if the Shell Shocked Romans still went to bed in fear of the carthaginian went to bed in fear of the carthaginian went to bed in fear of the carthaginian army pouring through the gates while army pouring through the gates while army pouring through the gates while they they they slept but entering 207 BC the 11th year slept but entering 207 BC the 11th year slept but entering 207 BC the 11th year since Hannibal had left new Carthage for

since Hannibal had left new Carthage for since Hannibal had left new Carthage for Italy Italy Italy the carthaginian commander still had the carthaginian commander still had the carthaginian commander still had hope of a successful hope of a successful hope of a successful conclusion his brother hael had left conclusion his brother hael had left conclusion his brother hael had left Spain after tangling with young skipio Spain after tangling with young skipio Spain after tangling with young skipio and was making his way across Gaul and was making his way across Gaul and was making his way across Gaul through the Alps and would soon be in through the Alps and would soon be in through the Alps and would soon be in Italy with an army of Italy with an army of Italy with an army of 30,000 if the two brothers were able to 30,000 if the two brothers were able to 30,000 if the two brothers were able to link up they would form an army that link up they would form an army that link up they would form an army that could overrun anything the Romans sent could overrun anything the Romans sent could overrun anything the Romans sent against against against them the Romans were not ignorant of the them the Romans were not ignorant of the them the Romans were not ignorant of the threat they faced from this second threat they faced from this second threat they faced from this second invading Army invading Army invading Army when hazell passed into the po valley he when hazell passed into the po valley he when hazell passed into the po valley he was immediately shadowed by two Roman was immediately shadowed by two Roman was immediately shadowed by two Roman Legions led by one of the consules for Legions led by one of the consules for Legions led by one of the consules for the year Marcus the year Marcus the year Marcus lius lius kept to The High Ground not lius lius kept to The High Ground not lius lius kept to The High Ground not having enough troops to openly confront having enough troops to openly confront having enough troops to openly confront hrabal but hoping to at least forestall hrabal but hoping to at least forestall hrabal but hoping to at least forestall the carthaginians if they attempted to the carthaginians if they attempted to the carthaginians if they attempted to move further move further move further south hael knowing there was no Army in south hael knowing there was no Army in south hael knowing there was no Army in the area who could match him moved the area who could match him moved the area who could match him moved confidently through the Italian confidently through the Italian confidently through the Italian Countryside picking up GIC allies and Countryside picking up GIC allies and Countryside picking up GIC allies and waiting for word from his brother on waiting for word from his brother on waiting for word from his brother on where to meet where to meet where to meet up the other console for the year guas up the other console for the year guas up the other console for the year guas Claudius Nero was encamped with his army Claudius Nero was encamped with his army Claudius Nero was encamped with his army some 250 Mi South keeping watch on some 250 Mi South keeping watch on some 250 Mi South keeping watch on Hannibal he knew that neither his army Hannibal he knew that neither his army Hannibal he knew that neither his army nor liases in the north could halt the nor liases in the north could halt the nor liases in the north could halt the movement of the carthaginian armies they movement of the carthaginian armies they movement of the carthaginian armies they eat shadowed only if they were able to eat shadowed only if they were able to eat shadowed only if they were able to concentrate Roman Force against one or concentrate Roman Force against one or concentrate Roman Force against one or the other but they hoped to prevent the the other but they hoped to prevent the the other but they hoped to prevent the disaster of a combined carthaginian Army

disaster of a combined carthaginian Army disaster of a combined carthaginian Army Army so Nero made a snap decision and Army so Nero made a snap decision and Army so Nero made a snap decision and embarked on an incredibly risky embarked on an incredibly risky embarked on an incredibly risky Adventure leaving a token force in Camp Adventure leaving a token force in Camp Adventure leaving a token force in Camp to keep up appearances he ordered the to keep up appearances he ordered the to keep up appearances he ordered the bulk of his army out in the middle of bulk of his army out in the middle of bulk of his army out in the middle of the night and force marched them North the night and force marched them North the night and force marched them North to link up with lius and hopefully to link up with lius and hopefully to link up with lius and hopefully annihilate Hazel before Hannibal CAU annihilate Hazel before Hannibal CAU annihilate Hazel before Hannibal CAU wind of the wind of the wind of the plan Roman luck held and Nero was able plan Roman luck held and Nero was able plan Roman luck held and Nero was able to close the 250 M Gap in a mere 7 days to close the 250 M Gap in a mere 7 days to close the 250 M Gap in a mere 7 days with his troops left behind tending with his troops left behind tending with his troops left behind tending multiple fires and Manning multiple fires and Manning multiple fires and Manning round-the-clock guard Duty so Hannibal round-the-clock guard Duty so Hannibal round-the-clock guard Duty so Hannibal would believe a full Roman army was would believe a full Roman army was would believe a full Roman army was still still still encamped Nero linked up with lius and encamped Nero linked up with lius and encamped Nero linked up with lius and marched his troops into his colleagues marched his troops into his colleagues marched his troops into his colleagues camp at night though the Romans tried to camp at night though the Romans tried to camp at night though the Romans tried to keep this arrival secret word soon keep this arrival secret word soon keep this arrival secret word soon leaked to hazra of the numerically leaked to hazra of the numerically leaked to hazra of the numerically Superior enemy he now faced and he Superior enemy he now faced and he Superior enemy he now faced and he attempted to withdraw making his way attempted to withdraw making his way attempted to withdraw making his way along the matus along the matus along the matus river the two Consular armies took off river the two Consular armies took off river the two Consular armies took off at once in Pur suit and were soon able at once in Pur suit and were soon able at once in Pur suit and were soon able to trap hribal's tired Army against the to trap hribal's tired Army against the to trap hribal's tired Army against the river the battle that followed turned river the battle that followed turned river the battle that followed turned from an equal engagement into a route from an equal engagement into a route from an equal engagement into a route when Nero led a portion of his troops when Nero led a portion of his troops when Nero led a portion of his troops around behind the carthaginians and around behind the carthaginians and around behind the carthaginians and surprised their rear hael knowing the surprised their rear hael knowing the surprised their rear hael knowing the end was near charged out in the middle end was near charged out in the middle end was near charged out in the middle of the battle and died of the battle and died of the battle and died fighting the hope of a carthaginian fighting the hope of a carthaginian fighting the hope of a carthaginian super Army died there on the banks of super Army died there on the banks of super Army died there on the banks of the mataras Hannibal's last best hope to the mataras Hannibal's last best hope to the mataras Hannibal's last best hope to conquer the Romans died with it conquer the Romans died with it conquer the Romans died with it the Romans were ecstatic at the news it

the Romans were ecstatic at the news it the Romans were ecstatic at the news it was the first major battle in Italy the was the first major battle in Italy the was the first major battle in Italy the Romans had actually won and to Young Romans had actually won and to Young Romans had actually won and to Young skipio returning from his command in skipio returning from his command in skipio returning from his command in Spain word of the victory was music to Spain word of the victory was music to Spain word of the victory was music to his ears the High Spirits of his his ears the High Spirits of his his ears the High Spirits of his countrymen and low Threat Level now countrymen and low Threat Level now countrymen and low Threat Level now posed by Hannibal produced the exact posed by Hannibal produced the exact posed by Hannibal produced the exact psychological environment skipio needed psychological environment skipio needed psychological environment skipio needed to ensure a receptive audience for his to ensure a receptive audience for his to ensure a receptive audience for his plan of a North African plan of a North African plan of a North African invasion in 205 BC skipio went before invasion in 205 BC skipio went before invasion in 205 BC skipio went before the Senate and pitched his idea the time the Senate and pitched his idea the time the Senate and pitched his idea the time had come he argued to return to the had come he argued to return to the had come he argued to return to the original strategy abandoned at the original strategy abandoned at the original strategy abandoned at the outset of the war the fight had to be outset of the war the fight had to be outset of the war the fight had to be taken to the carthaginians Hannibal taken to the carthaginians Hannibal taken to the carthaginians Hannibal would not be driven off by direct action would not be driven off by direct action would not be driven off by direct action the only way to be rid of him was to the only way to be rid of him was to the only way to be rid of him was to attack Carthage and force the attack Carthage and force the attack Carthage and force the carthaginian Senate to recall Hannibal carthaginian Senate to recall Hannibal carthaginian Senate to recall Hannibal to protect the mother to protect the mother to protect the mother City but skipio was not without City but skipio was not without City but skipio was not without detractors in the Senate Chief amongst detractors in the Senate Chief amongst detractors in the Senate Chief amongst them old Marcus Fabius now 70 years old them old Marcus Fabius now 70 years old them old Marcus Fabius now 70 years old what skipio pitched was the exact what skipio pitched was the exact what skipio pitched was the exact opposite of everything Fabius stood for opposite of everything Fabius stood for opposite of everything Fabius stood for the old warhorse argued that with the old warhorse argued that with the old warhorse argued that with hribal's defeat the Romans should stick hribal's defeat the Romans should stick hribal's defeat the Romans should stick with the limited objective of resecuring with the limited objective of resecuring with the limited objective of resecuring the po valley and continuing the war of the po valley and continuing the war of the po valley and continuing the war of attrition against Hannibal that though attrition against Hannibal that though attrition against Hannibal that though lacking the flash of Skip's bold plan lacking the flash of Skip's bold plan lacking the flash of Skip's bold plan had proved so had proved so had proved so successful generational tensions played successful generational tensions played successful generational tensions played out with skipio accusing old Fabius of out with skipio accusing old Fabius of out with skipio accusing old Fabius of being too cautious and stuck in his ways being too cautious and stuck in his ways being too cautious and stuck in his ways and Fabius reminding young skipio that and Fabius reminding young skipio that and Fabius reminding young skipio that had it not been for caution Rome would

had it not been for caution Rome would had it not been for caution Rome would have fallen a decade have fallen a decade have fallen a decade earlier but the aura of skipio carried earlier but the aura of skipio carried earlier but the aura of skipio carried the day and with reservations attached the day and with reservations attached the day and with reservations attached he was more or less given the go-ahead he was more or less given the go-ahead he was more or less given the go-ahead for his for his for his invasion the young Roman general invasion the young Roman general invasion the young Roman general embarked for Sicily where he began to embarked for Sicily where he began to embarked for Sicily where he began to make his preparations building a fleet make his preparations building a fleet make his preparations building a fleet Gathering troops of vital importance was Gathering troops of vital importance was Gathering troops of vital importance was a mission he assigned to leus the naval a mission he assigned to leus the naval a mission he assigned to leus the naval commander who had been in sko's commander who had been in sko's commander who had been in sko's confidence at the siege of new Carthage the most formidable part of the the most formidable part of the carthaginian army everyone knew was the carthaginian army everyone knew was the carthaginian army everyone knew was the numidian Cavalry they could not be numidian Cavalry they could not be numidian Cavalry they could not be matched in speed or skill and as long as matched in speed or skill and as long as matched in speed or skill and as long as they remained in the opposing line the they remained in the opposing line the they remained in the opposing line the legions would always be in legions would always be in legions would always be in danger skipio knew something of North danger skipio knew something of North danger skipio knew something of North African politics though and hoped to African politics though and hoped to African politics though and hoped to turn a clear weakness into an turn a clear weakness into an turn a clear weakness into an advantage laus's mission was to sail to advantage laus's mission was to sail to advantage laus's mission was to sail to North Africa and turn the numidians to North Africa and turn the numidians to North Africa and turn the numidians to the Roman the Roman the Roman side the numidians you must understand side the numidians you must understand side the numidians you must understand were not carthaginians they were a were not carthaginians they were a were not carthaginians they were a client state of Carthage and had long client state of Carthage and had long client state of Carthage and had long chaed under carthaginian rule though the chaed under carthaginian rule though the chaed under carthaginian rule though the leadership seemed more or less content leadership seemed more or less content leadership seemed more or less content to stick with Carthage there was an to stick with Carthage there was an to stick with Carthage there was an undercurrent of dissatisfaction that undercurrent of dissatisfaction that undercurrent of dissatisfaction that always threatened to come to the always threatened to come to the always threatened to come to the surface in North Africa leus made surface in North Africa leus made surface in North Africa leus made contact with the exiled numidian prince contact with the exiled numidian prince contact with the exiled numidian prince masinissa who had fought against skipio masinissa who had fought against skipio masinissa who had fought against skipio in Spain and confirmed that he was ready in Spain and confirmed that he was ready in Spain and confirmed that he was ready and willing to lead his followers in and willing to lead his followers in and willing to lead his followers in Revolt both against his own King and the Revolt both against his own King and the Revolt both against his own King and the carthaginians in the years to come

carthaginians in the years to come carthaginians in the years to come massinissa would remain a staunch Ally massinissa would remain a staunch Ally massinissa would remain a staunch Ally of Rome matching in many ways the of Rome matching in many ways the of Rome matching in many ways the Friendship of Hiro certainly in Friendship of Hiro certainly in Friendship of Hiro certainly in longevity a young man at the time of the longevity a young man at the time of the longevity a young man at the time of the Second Punic War masinissa would Reign Second Punic War masinissa would Reign Second Punic War masinissa would Reign Over numidia for 50 years nipping in the Over numidia for 50 years nipping in the Over numidia for 50 years nipping in the bud any trouble posed to the Romans from bud any trouble posed to the Romans from bud any trouble posed to the Romans from Africa skipio sailed from North Africa Africa skipio sailed from North Africa Africa skipio sailed from North Africa in 203 BC with a force of about in 203 BC with a force of about in 203 BC with a force of about 35,000 his aim was to and the war were 35,000 his aim was to and the war were 35,000 his aim was to and the war were Die Die Die Trying when the Romans landed they Trying when the Romans landed they Trying when the Romans landed they immediately swept through the land west immediately swept through the land west immediately swept through the land west of Carthage taking prisoners and sacking of Carthage taking prisoners and sacking of Carthage taking prisoners and sacking towns skipio had his eye on the major towns skipio had his eye on the major towns skipio had his eye on the major city of udica and in the Autumn of 203 city of udica and in the Autumn of 203 city of udica and in the Autumn of 203 he besieged the he besieged the he besieged the city the carthaginians sent a massive city the carthaginians sent a massive city the carthaginians sent a massive Army against skipio reportedly in excess Army against skipio reportedly in excess Army against skipio reportedly in excess of 70,000 troops to drive the Romans off of 70,000 troops to drive the Romans off of 70,000 troops to drive the Romans off skipio prudently withdrew and to throw skipio prudently withdrew and to throw skipio prudently withdrew and to throw the carthaginians off he open peace the carthaginians off he open peace the carthaginians off he open peace negotiations while the talks commenced negotiations while the talks commenced negotiations while the talks commenced though skipio scouted his enemy and though skipio scouted his enemy and though skipio scouted his enemy and formulated a plan to beat them without formulated a plan to beat them without formulated a plan to beat them without having to take the field against a far having to take the field against a far having to take the field against a far larger larger larger Army the fake talks concluded skipio Army the fake talks concluded skipio Army the fake talks concluded skipio sent a portion of his troops back to sent a portion of his troops back to sent a portion of his troops back to udica to Fain a return to the siege udica to Fain a return to the siege udica to Fain a return to the siege however while the unsuspecting however while the unsuspecting however while the unsuspecting carthaginians slept content to arise the carthaginians slept content to arise the carthaginians slept content to arise the next morning and overwhelm the Roman next morning and overwhelm the Roman next morning and overwhelm the Roman pest skipio dispatched the bulk of his pest skipio dispatched the bulk of his pest skipio dispatched the bulk of his army towards the enemy camp army towards the enemy camp army towards the enemy camp under cover of Darkness they started under cover of Darkness they started under cover of Darkness they started fires all over the camp and waited by

fires all over the camp and waited by fires all over the camp and waited by the the the exits the alarm was raised and when the exits the alarm was raised and when the exits the alarm was raised and when the panick soldiers came pouring out of the panick soldiers came pouring out of the panick soldiers came pouring out of the gates they were slaughtered by the gates they were slaughtered by the gates they were slaughtered by the Romans those who were not killed by the Romans those who were not killed by the Romans those who were not killed by the Romans died in the fire it was a Romans died in the fire it was a Romans died in the fire it was a horrible and bloody Affair but just like horrible and bloody Affair but just like horrible and bloody Affair but just like that skipio had destroyed most of the that skipio had destroyed most of the that skipio had destroyed most of the carthaginian Army in North carthaginian Army in North carthaginian Army in North Africa the carthaginians regrouped Africa the carthaginians regrouped Africa the carthaginians regrouped however and made one last go of it but however and made one last go of it but however and made one last go of it but at a place called Great Plains skipio at a place called Great Plains skipio at a place called Great Plains skipio routed them and Carthage found itself routed them and Carthage found itself routed them and Carthage found itself suddenly without an Army in the field suddenly without an Army in the field suddenly without an Army in the field not unlike the Romans had found not unlike the Romans had found not unlike the Romans had found themselves after canny so many years themselves after canny so many years themselves after canny so many years before at this point the carthaginian before at this point the carthaginian before at this point the carthaginian Senate was left with no choice Hannibal Senate was left with no choice Hannibal Senate was left with no choice Hannibal had to be had to be had to be recalled envoys were sent to Italy in recalled envoys were sent to Italy in recalled envoys were sent to Italy in 202 to bring him back with tears 202 to bring him back with tears 202 to bring him back with tears streaming from his one good eye Hannibal streaming from his one good eye Hannibal streaming from his one good eye Hannibal reluctantly ordered his army to board reluctantly ordered his army to board reluctantly ordered his army to board the ships and to retrieve them after 16 the ships and to retrieve them after 16 the ships and to retrieve them after 16 years the death of his brothers and an years the death of his brothers and an years the death of his brothers and an endless series of Maneuvers designed to endless series of Maneuvers designed to endless series of Maneuvers designed to bring the Romans to their knees he was bring the Romans to their knees he was bring the Romans to their knees he was being pulled out of Italy no closer to being pulled out of Italy no closer to being pulled out of Italy no closer to his goal than when he his goal than when he his goal than when he started his life's work had been for started his life's work had been for started his life's work had been for not it was an exhausted and not it was an exhausted and not it was an exhausted and psychologically wounded Hannibal who psychologically wounded Hannibal who psychologically wounded Hannibal who returned to North returned to North returned to North Africa he would fight bravely there and Africa he would fight bravely there and Africa he would fight bravely there and no historian fault any of the decisions no historian fault any of the decisions no historian fault any of the decisions he made while battling he made while battling he made while battling skipio but clearly the imaginative skipio but clearly the imaginative skipio but clearly the imaginative genius who had so so flumix the Romans genius who had so so flumix the Romans genius who had so so flumix the Romans early in the war was gone all the vital early in the war was gone all the vital early in the war was gone all the vital energy was in The Confident hands of

energy was in The Confident hands of energy was in The Confident hands of skipio and both of them seem to know skipio and both of them seem to know skipio and both of them seem to know it after his victories near the coast it after his victories near the coast it after his victories near the coast and with the knowledge of Hannibal's and with the knowledge of Hannibal's and with the knowledge of Hannibal's return skipio did not make for Carthage return skipio did not make for Carthage return skipio did not make for Carthage but rather marched but rather marched but rather marched Inland the interior of North Africa was Inland the interior of North Africa was Inland the interior of North Africa was hostile territory not just for the hostile territory not just for the hostile territory not just for the Romans but for the carthaginians as Romans but for the carthaginians as Romans but for the carthaginians as well the land was populated with subject well the land was populated with subject well the land was populated with subject people of dubious genan loyalty but people of dubious genan loyalty but people of dubious genan loyalty but nonetheless they were a critical source nonetheless they were a critical source nonetheless they were a critical source of supplies for the of supplies for the of supplies for the city skipio hoped to draw hanal into city skipio hoped to draw hanal into city skipio hoped to draw hanal into unfriendly territory by threatening unfriendly territory by threatening unfriendly territory by threatening Carthage with Carthage with Carthage with starvation Hannibal himself despaired at starvation Hannibal himself despaired at starvation Hannibal himself despaired at the the the situation he had to make a move against situation he had to make a move against situation he had to make a move against skipio but the troops he had at his skipio but the troops he had at his skipio but the troops he had at his disposal were not even close to a match disposal were not even close to a match disposal were not even close to a match for the for the for the Romans he had his core of veterans but Romans he had his core of veterans but Romans he had his core of veterans but the rest were recent recruits the rest were recent recruits the rest were recent recruits ill-trained and passionate ill-trained and passionate ill-trained and passionate he argued against leading such a weak he argued against leading such a weak he argued against leading such a weak Army out but was overruled by the Senate Army out but was overruled by the Senate Army out but was overruled by the Senate who ordered him to track down skipio and who ordered him to track down skipio and who ordered him to track down skipio and defeat him and always the good soldier defeat him and always the good soldier defeat him and always the good soldier Hannibal did as he was Hannibal did as he was Hannibal did as he was told the two armies met at Zama 100 or told the two armies met at Zama 100 or told the two armies met at Zama 100 or so Miles Southwest of so Miles Southwest of so Miles Southwest of Carthage prior to any armed Carthage prior to any armed Carthage prior to any armed confrontation the two great generals met confrontation the two great generals met confrontation the two great generals met Hannibal attempted to secure a favorable Hannibal attempted to secure a favorable Hannibal attempted to secure a favorable peace knowing his own troops were ill peace knowing his own troops were ill peace knowing his own troops were ill equipped to deal with with the Romans equipped to deal with with the Romans equipped to deal with with the Romans but skipio would have none of but skipio would have none of but skipio would have none of it after acknowledging the respect each it after acknowledging the respect each it after acknowledging the respect each had for the other they departed back to

had for the other they departed back to had for the other they departed back to their own tent to prepare for the final their own tent to prepare for the final their own tent to prepare for the final battle lining up in the morning Hannibal battle lining up in the morning Hannibal battle lining up in the morning Hannibal placed his raw recruits in the front placed his raw recruits in the front placed his raw recruits in the front line with his veterans behind this way line with his veterans behind this way line with his veterans behind this way the new troops would have no place to the new troops would have no place to the new troops would have no place to run if they tried to retreat and if run if they tried to retreat and if run if they tried to retreat and if Hannibal was lucky they would Tire the Hannibal was lucky they would Tire the Hannibal was lucky they would Tire the legionaries out and allow the legionaries out and allow the legionaries out and allow the carthaginian veterans to sweep through carthaginian veterans to sweep through carthaginian veterans to sweep through he also placed his war elephants the old he also placed his war elephants the old he also placed his war elephants the old carthaginian Juggernaut at the head of carthaginian Juggernaut at the head of carthaginian Juggernaut at the head of the army but skipio was well prepared the army but skipio was well prepared the army but skipio was well prepared for the elephants and positioned his men for the elephants and positioned his men for the elephants and positioned his men so that lanes were open all the way so that lanes were open all the way so that lanes were open all the way through the lines when the elephants through the lines when the elephants through the lines when the elephants charged they passed by charged they passed by charged they passed by harmlessly the battle begun Rome scored harmlessly the battle begun Rome scored harmlessly the battle begun Rome scored a victory that had eluded them the a victory that had eluded them the a victory that had eluded them the entire War massinissa Allied numidian entire War massinissa Allied numidian entire War massinissa Allied numidian Cavalry was able to drive off their Cavalry was able to drive off their Cavalry was able to drive off their carthaginian counterparts suddenly carthaginian counterparts suddenly carthaginian counterparts suddenly leaving Hannibal rather than the r leaving Hannibal rather than the r leaving Hannibal rather than the r Romans without Romans without Romans without support just as he predicted the support just as he predicted the support just as he predicted the experienced Romans cut through experienced Romans cut through experienced Romans cut through Hannibal's new soldiers but a total Hannibal's new soldiers but a total Hannibal's new soldiers but a total route was prevented by the strength of route was prevented by the strength of route was prevented by the strength of his veterans who blunted the Romans his veterans who blunted the Romans his veterans who blunted the Romans Advance the war hung in the balance as Advance the war hung in the balance as Advance the war hung in the balance as two of the greatest strategic and two of the greatest strategic and two of the greatest strategic and tactical Geniuses in history oversaw an tactical Geniuses in history oversaw an tactical Geniuses in history oversaw an unimaginative Clash of Brute unimaginative Clash of Brute unimaginative Clash of Brute Force when the Roman Cavalry returned to Force when the Roman Cavalry returned to Force when the Roman Cavalry returned to attack the carthaginian rear the battle attack the carthaginian rear the battle attack the carthaginian rear the battle turned decisively against Hannibal his turned decisively against Hannibal his turned decisively against Hannibal his army was broken and the great army was broken and the great army was broken and the great carthaginian General was forced to carthaginian General was forced to carthaginian General was forced to withdraw and defeat the Battle of Zama withdraw and defeat the Battle of Zama withdraw and defeat the Battle of Zama was over so too was the Second Punic

was over so too was the Second Punic was over so too was the Second Punic War Carthage offered no further War Carthage offered no further War Carthage offered no further resistance and accepted punishing resistance and accepted punishing resistance and accepted punishing terms while allowed to keep possessions terms while allowed to keep possessions terms while allowed to keep possessions in North Africa the dream of a in North Africa the dream of a in North Africa the dream of a carthaginian Empire overseas was crushed carthaginian Empire overseas was crushed carthaginian Empire overseas was crushed and all Holdings forfeited to the and all Holdings forfeited to the and all Holdings forfeited to the Romans Carthage was not allowed to equip Romans Carthage was not allowed to equip Romans Carthage was not allowed to equip an army or a Navy nor allow to engage in an army or a Navy nor allow to engage in an army or a Navy nor allow to engage in any hostilities with their neighbors any hostilities with their neighbors any hostilities with their neighbors without explicit Roman without explicit Roman without explicit Roman permission for his loyalty massano was permission for his loyalty massano was permission for his loyalty massano was granted control over an independent granted control over an independent granted control over an independent numidian Kingdom that would be the numidian Kingdom that would be the numidian Kingdom that would be the dominant force in North Africa for years dominant force in North Africa for years dominant force in North Africa for years to to to come finally a huge punitive fine was come finally a huge punitive fine was come finally a huge punitive fine was laid on Carthage to be paid off in no laid on Carthage to be paid off in no laid on Carthage to be paid off in no less than 50 less than 50 less than 50 years in a final irony it was Hannibal years in a final irony it was Hannibal years in a final irony it was Hannibal who put a stop to any call for further who put a stop to any call for further who put a stop to any call for further resistance and demanded that the Senate resistance and demanded that the Senate resistance and demanded that the Senate accept Roman terms accept Roman terms accept Roman terms Carthage Was Defeated there was nothing Carthage Was Defeated there was nothing Carthage Was Defeated there was nothing left to be said about left to be said about left to be said about it the Romans had paid an enormous price it the Romans had paid an enormous price it the Romans had paid an enormous price for their Victory the population of Rome for their Victory the population of Rome for their Victory the population of Rome declined by something like 177% over the declined by something like 177% over the declined by something like 177% over the course of the war and the treasury was course of the war and the treasury was course of the war and the treasury was all but all but all but empty but they had won an immeasurably empty but they had won an immeasurably empty but they had won an immeasurably valuable prize uncontested control of valuable prize uncontested control of valuable prize uncontested control of the entire Western the entire Western the entire Western Mediterranean the Roman Empire as we now Mediterranean the Roman Empire as we now Mediterranean the Roman Empire as we now know it the greatest power in the know it the greatest power in the know it the greatest power in the ancient world and one of the farthest ancient world and one of the farthest ancient world and one of the farthest reaching land empires in history was reaching land empires in history was reaching land empires in history was born on that day at Zama in 202 born on that day at Zama in 202 born on that day at Zama in 202 BC some also claim as I said at the BC some also claim as I said at the BC some also claim as I said at the outset of this series of episodes that outset of this series of episodes that outset of this series of episodes that the victory over Carthage also marked

the victory over Carthage also marked the victory over Carthage also marked the death of old Roman the death of old Roman the death of old Roman virtue certainly there's much to be said virtue certainly there's much to be said virtue certainly there's much to be said for the theory that the Republic was not for the theory that the Republic was not for the theory that the Republic was not long for this world after Rome lost its long for this world after Rome lost its long for this world after Rome lost its greatest greatest greatest enemy over the course of the war the enemy over the course of the war the enemy over the course of the war the power of the senate had grown to far power of the senate had grown to far power of the senate had grown to far exceed the people's assemblies and exceed the people's assemblies and exceed the people's assemblies and democracy such as it had existed was a democracy such as it had existed was a democracy such as it had existed was a thing of the past the Republic was now a thing of the past the Republic was now a thing of the past the Republic was now a true aristocratic oligarchy the Senate true aristocratic oligarchy the Senate true aristocratic oligarchy the Senate was firmly in control of Rome and would was firmly in control of Rome and would was firmly in control of Rome and would be for the rest of the life of the be for the rest of the life of the be for the rest of the life of the Republic but soon the OS of the foremost Republic but soon the OS of the foremost Republic but soon the OS of the foremost families in Rome began to grow unchecked families in Rome began to grow unchecked families in Rome began to grow unchecked and Men emerged every day who had no and Men emerged every day who had no and Men emerged every day who had no truck with the old restraint shown by truck with the old restraint shown by truck with the old restraint shown by their their their forefathers skipio had inadvertently forefathers skipio had inadvertently forefathers skipio had inadvertently introduced The Cult of Personality to introduced The Cult of Personality to introduced The Cult of Personality to the Romans and the coming age of the Romans and the coming age of the Romans and the coming age of troubles would revolve around powerful troubles would revolve around powerful troubles would revolve around powerful men who put their own ambition above men who put their own ambition above men who put their own ambition above that of some withered sense that of some withered sense that of some withered sense propriety the grocky brothers Marius propriety the grocky brothers Marius propriety the grocky brothers Marius solah Julius Caesar pompy and finally solah Julius Caesar pompy and finally solah Julius Caesar pompy and finally Augustus would drive Roman politics in Augustus would drive Roman politics in Augustus would drive Roman politics in the coming years they took their cues the coming years they took their cues the coming years they took their cues from skipio who was nearly deified in from skipio who was nearly deified in from skipio who was nearly deified in his lifetime rather than the string of his lifetime rather than the string of his lifetime rather than the string of Forgotten consoles who preserve Forgotten consoles who preserve Forgotten consoles who preserve tradition in anonymity tradition in anonymity tradition in anonymity further these Latter-Day Roman leaders further these Latter-Day Roman leaders further these Latter-Day Roman leaders never dealt with the humility of facing never dealt with the humility of facing never dealt with the humility of facing an external threat that checked their an external threat that checked their an external threat that checked their boundless boundless boundless egos control of Rome now meant control egos control of Rome now meant control egos control of Rome now meant control of the whole world what chance did the

of the whole world what chance did the of the whole world what chance did the Republic have when absolute power was at stake I will be out of town next week so stake I will be out of town next week so we will leave the Romans here at the we will leave the Romans here at the we will leave the Romans here at the moment of their greatest moment of their greatest moment of their greatest Triumph next time in two weeks we will Triumph next time in two weeks we will Triumph next time in two weeks we will enter a New Era of Roman history as Rome enter a New Era of Roman history as Rome enter a New Era of Roman history as Rome looks East to the great civilizations of looks East to the great civilizations of looks East to the great civilizations of Greece contact with Greece would forever Greece contact with Greece would forever Greece contact with Greece would forever alter the character of the Romans as alter the character of the Romans as alter the character of the Romans as they were introduced to the luxury they were introduced to the luxury they were introduced to the luxury philosophy Art and Science of the philosophy Art and Science of the philosophy Art and Science of the East the marriage of east and west would East the marriage of east and west would East the marriage of east and west would be proposed on the battlefield but it be proposed on the battlefield but it be proposed on the battlefield but it would be consummated in the minds of the would be consummated in the minds of the would be consummated in the minds of the Victorious Romans who became open to Victorious Romans who became open to Victorious Romans who became open to ideas that would have made their Frugal ideas that would have made their Frugal ideas that would have made their Frugal and virtuous ancestors shudder and virtuous ancestors shudder and virtuous ancestors shudder [Music]