How Hannibal surrounded the Roman army
Polybius describes a Roman attack pushing into Hannibal’s centre while the stronger African infantry on either side turned inward. Carthaginian cavalry, having defeated the opposing horsemen, struck from behind. The Romans lost the room needed to fight or retreat. Ancient casualty totals differ, but both Polybius and Livy describe a catastrophe for Rome’s army and leadership.
Why Cannae did not end the Second Punic War
The defeat brought panic to Rome and encouraged some Italian communities to join Hannibal. The Republic nevertheless raised new forces and refused to abandon the struggle. Livy records surviving soldiers regrouping and the Senate refusing to ransom prisoners. A brilliant battlefield victory had weakened Rome, but had not removed its capacity to recruit, organize and continue the war.
Questions people ask
Who won the Battle of Cannae?
Hannibal’s Carthaginian army won in 216 BC against Roman forces led by the consuls Lucius Aemilius Paullus and Gaius Terentius Varro. The victory did not bring Roman surrender.
Was Cannae the end of Rome?
No. Rome continued the Second Punic War for years. Its eventual victory at Zama in 202 BC shows why one devastating defeat did not determine the whole conflict.
Step into Cannae: After the Battle
Regroup scattered survivors after Rome’s catastrophic defeat. Decide what to carry and when to leave, from the road alongside your people.
This episode is a planned playable documentary. You can explore its narrated opening and make one decision now. The three acts below describe the full story in development. Once completed, it will be free for everyone.
- Find the scattered men
- Choose a road
- Reach Canusium
Sources and perspective
Ancient accounts reflect their authors’ positions and often disagree. These sources inform the historical summary; dialogue, player roles and imagery in the documentary may be dramatized.
- Polybius · Histories 3.113–118
A detailed ancient account of the encirclement and its aftermath; numerical estimates require caution.
- Livy · Periochae 22–23
The surviving book summaries describe Rome’s emergency response and continued resistance.
An original historical guide by The Age of Rome. Updated 14 September 2026.
