The Tactical Masterpiece of Cannae: Hannibal's Triumph and Rome's Devastating Defeat

The transcript details the Battle of Cannae on August 2nd, 216 BC, where Roman forces led by Varro faced Hannibal's Carthaginian army. Despite superior numbers, the Romans were outmaneuvered by Hannibal's strategic brilliance, leading to a devastating defeat. The battle saw innovative tactics, including Hannibal's use of a crescent formation and concealed Libyan infantry, which ultimately encircled and crushed the Roman legions. The aftermath left Rome's leadership decimated and its future uncertain.

What was the main reason for leaving a 10,000 strong garrison in the Roman camp?

• To protect the baggage and threaten Hannibal's camp

• To attack the Carthaginian cavalry

• To provide reinforcements during the battle

• To negotiate with Hannibal

How did Varro plan to use the Roman cavalry during the battle?

• To launch a surprise attack on Hannibal's camp

• To retreat and regroup with the main forces

• To delay the Carthaginian cavalry long enough for the legions to break through

• To flank the Carthaginian infantry

What formation did Hannibal use to absorb the Roman attack?

• A straight line

• A square formation

• A circular formation

• A crescent formation

What was the outcome of the initial cavalry engagement on the Roman left flank?

• Both sides retreated without significant losses

• The Carthaginian cavalry overwhelmed the Romans

• The Roman cavalry captured Hannibal

• The Roman cavalry successfully repelled the Carthaginians

How did Hannibal manage to trap the Roman legions?

• By using hidden reserves to flank the Romans

• By retreating and luring them into a concave formation

• By attacking from the rear with elephants

• By setting fire to the battlefield

What was the main reason for the Roman center's collapse?

• The Roman leadership's indecisiveness

• The Carthaginian infantry's superior numbers

• The exhaustion of Roman infantry

• The Roman cavalry's failure to hold the flanks

What was the fate of the Roman leadership after the battle?

• They surrendered to Hannibal

• They were killed in the battle

• They managed to escape to Rome

• They were captured and ransomed

How many Roman infantry and cavalry were lost at the Battle of Cannae?

• 30,000 infantry and 1,500 cavalry

• 50,000 infantry and 2,700 cavalry

• 70,000 infantry and 6,400 cavalry

• 40,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry

What was the significant cost of Hannibal's victory at Cannae?

• He lost his best generals

• He suffered high casualties among his troops

• He was forced to retreat from Italy

• He ran out of supplies

What was the impact of the Battle of Cannae on Roman society?

• It resulted in the immediate fall of Rome

• It struck at the heart of Roman society, leaving its future in doubt

• It strengthened Roman resolve to defeat Hannibal

• It led to a peace treaty with Carthage