Cannae 216 BC (C&C Ancients)

Now, fully aware of the threat posed by Hannibal, the Romans assembled a truly large army, perhaps up to 80,000 strong, led by two consuls and two pro-consuls. Unfortunately, on the day of battle, the incompetent consul Varrus held command and determined to attack Hannibal, who had posted his army in a location that negated the Roman advantage in numbers – bluffs on one flank and the Aufidus river on the other. Undeterred, Varrus simply packed his legions one behind the other into the constricted area and launched the mass headlong at the Carthaginian center. They advanced into yet another trap. Hannibal had deployed his excellent cavalry and heavy infantry on the wings, leaving his medium infantry and Celt levies in the center. The Roman advance did indeed push the Carthaginian center back and inflict losses, but in the meantime the Carthaginian cavalry had routed the Roman cavalry on both flanks and closed in on the rear of the Roman army while the heavy infantry advanced on both Roman flanks. Surrounded and unable to maneuver, the Roman soldiers were slaughtered by the thousands, and the army was destroyed. Cannae was Rome’s greatest military defeat, and Hannibal’s greatest victory.

The Carthaginians advance on the Romans and are harassed as they get into position. The Romans successfully bait a cavalry attack on their right by Hasdrubal, which results in the loss of the Carthaginian heavy cavalry. (Rome 1, Carthage 0)

Hasdrubal withdraws with what is left of the Carthaginian cavalry on their right, while Maharbal draws blood on the Roman left flank. (Rome 1, Carthage 1)

 The Romans attack on the center and the right, leaving both sides battered but still in the fight. (Rome 1, Carthage 1)

Hannibal takes advantage of the weakened lines in the Roman center to split the Roman army in two. (Rome 1, Carthage 3)

In turn Varro and Atilius take advantage of the equally vulnerable Carthaginian lines to mount an attack from the right. (Rome 4, Carthage 3)

Hannibal's campaign against Rome comes to a halt when he is killed in battle and his army is routed. (Rome 7, Carthage 3)