Hannibal's Escape from the Volturnus Valley

This chapter discusses Hannibal's escape from the Volturnus Valley and his successful crossing over the Apennine Mountains. Hannibal sets up a winter camp in Gerunium and is attacked by the Roman army, led by Messinnius. Although Messinnius initially drives a small Carthaginian forging group from the field of battle, Hannibal lures him into a trap and almost annihilates his army. Fabius arrives just in time to save Messinnius. The Roman people and Senate, however, fail to learn from their mistakes and draw the opposite conclusion.