Tides of History Why Didn't Cannae Win the War for Hannibal?
May 8, 2025
The podcast explores Hannibal's stunning victory at Cannae and why it didn't secure ultimate success. It discusses the complexities of wartime alliances and Rome's resilient political system. Despite significant losses, Rome maintained strong local alliances, complicating Hannibal's efforts. The strategic delay in his advance towards Rome is analyzed, shedding light on the tactical challenges he faced. Ultimately, Hannibal's battlefield conquests clashed with the loyalty and organization of Roman allies, shaping the war's outcome.
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Carthalo's Post-Cannae Disappointment
- Carthaginian officer Carthalo experienced disappointment negotiating with Campanian allies after Cannae.
- Despite battlefield victory, he struggled to convince Italian allies to join Hannibal's cause.
Cannae's Tactical, Not Strategic, Victory
- Cannae was Rome's deadliest military disaster but it didn't end the war.
- Rome's resilience and large manpower pool enabled recovery despite massive losses.
Rome's Alliance-Based Power
- Rome's control over Italy was based on alliances, not direct governance.
- Italian allies retained autonomy and only owed military service to Rome.