Hannibal Barca: The Father of Strategy and the Achilles Heel of the Roman Republic

The Battle of Cannae — considered by many military historians to be the ‘perfect defeat,’ is often regarded as one of the greatest tactical feats of all time, spelling the worst loss the Romans would ever concede. For the ancient Mediterranean world, 264 BC was the beginning of an important era for two main powers — it meant the beginning of a long winding war that would not rest until divine supremacy was reached. During this period, there are few tales as prominent as the Punic Wars (264 BC — 146 BC) where three separate conflicts were fought between the Roman Republic and the Carthaginians. It is the Second Punic War of these three major conflicts that dramatically defined fame for Carthaginian General Hannibal Barca in his campaign across the Italian Peninsula, resulting in major victories at Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and most strikingly, the battle of Cannae. This essay seeks to re-establish the significance behind these battles in antiquity — understanding their mythical quality, the strategies employed by Hannibal and the Romans, the aftermath, legacy, and most of all — the importance of having a competent general and great leader. <a href="https://medium.com/@louisdinunzio/hannibal-barca-the-father-of-strategy-and-the-achilles-heel-of-the-roman-republic-a68af4dc0197">Website</a>