On August 2nd, 216 BC, Rome faced its darkest day. At the small town of Cannae, the Carthaginian general Hannibal achieved one of the most astonishing victories in the history of warfare. Outnumbered and deep in enemy territory, he used strategy, deception, and flawless timing to surround and annihilate a Roman army of nearly 90,000 men. By nightfall, more than 50,000 Romans were dead, thousands more were captured, and the Republic itself trembled on the brink of collapse.This video tells the full story of the road to Cannae — from the end of the First Punic War and Carthage’s revival, to Hannibal’s oath of hatred against Rome, his daring march across the Alps, and his string of early victories at the Trebbia, Lake Trasimene, and beyond. We’ll explore how Rome tried to adapt with the Fabian strategy, why the Republic abandoned caution, and how Hannibal prepared the perfect trap on the dusty plains of Apulia.The Battle of Cannae remains one of the most studied military engagements in history. Generals from Napoleon to Schlieffen saw it as the pinnacle of tactical genius, and it continues to be a classic example of how brilliant leadership can overcome even overwhelming odds. Yet for all its glory, Cannae was also a turning point — the last great triumph of Hannibal, and the moment when Rome learned the hard way that survival depended not only on soldiers, but on the unity of it's allies and the resilience of its state.

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🎤 ⁠Voiceover by: Nick Banas

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