August 3, 216 B.C. Was Maharbal Correct?

[Ludens]

I quite agree with your analysis. Although his victory at Cannae was astounding, it didn't make him invincible (despite what the Romans might think at that moment). Also, I suspect anyone would have been baffled by the Roman ability to rebound from this disaster.

BTW, in case you hadn't noticed, you have been promoted to full member, and the Monastery is accesible for you.

[Spartan JKM]

Thank you Ludens. I didn't notice about the Monastery; may I put this in there?

Thanks, Spartan JKM

[Proletariat]

Doh! Just saw that you moved this thread yourself. The Monastery mods can remove the duplicate.

[Csargo]

Prole doing two things in less than a month. Surprise Suprise.

[ixidor]

Great post, great analyzes. I agree with you, maharbal was not right. Personally Hannibal is my favourite general (even though i think that alexander ultimatly showed more then hannibal), and i also think that if hannibal didn't beat rome was due to lack of support from Carthage. Hannibal was alone and unsupported. Had he recieved the help from hasdrubal's 50 000 men our the carthagenians' 90 000 men, i believe the war (and the history) could have changed quite a bit.

[Marshal Murat]

I would like to comment on this statement

But his classic breakout at the Ager Falernus, where Fabius Maximus thought he had Hannibal trapped, was a paradigm of superb stratagem; Hannibal sent 2,000 oxen, their heads ignited by fire at night, up the pass near the 4,000 Romans guarding the exiting defile. The Romans rushed up the hills ready to engage what they thought were enemy soldiers trying to escape. Instead they found writhing cattle! I sure hope the upcoming movie includes that scene.

I would question your translation of the situation. As it is understood, the oxen had fagots (we are mature here) secured to their horns and then driven into the passes.

Otherwise the description and writing was superb.
Kudos.