Tactical Assault
At the battle of Cannae was a tactical mistake Roman or the ultimate sign of military genius of Hannibal?
The Roman general Varro Terantius could use its reserves (or triarii Principles) to protect the back of the Numidian cavalry assault rather than engage in this terrible atack full-scale frontal infantry of Hannibal.
Indeed it could, but in historical battles, the fate of very often tho8usands rested on the shoulders of one or two men. The Romans at this point (and even before and after for a time) were the most sophisticated war machine that the world had seen. Rome often went to war against the numerically superior forces, and more often won through, with the use of superior tactics, weapons, etc. What are the strengths many like this suffer from the arrogance in themselves and their capabilities, and these leaders often underestimate their enemies – with disastrous consequencies. The Varro leader, decided that there would be no clear plan, and it suffices to use what would its numerical superiority, and improving training and equipment to win with his legionaries. He had numerical superiority, yet he did not exploit this potential, were concentrated all its forces – making it easier for Hannibal. What hannibal fact, was to instruct his sides with light troops, and then ti oredered yield little to advance the Romans. What has happened next was a crescent shape in the form of line Hannibal plowed as Roma – Hannibal effectively doing work for him, and surround themselves helpint. Add to that the inefficient use of the Roman cavalry, and horse caarthaginian, then come back to help kill the romams around, it is hardly surprising, that the massacre was so high in number. Rome lessond learned a lot from this mistake. – Small consolation for the thousands of dead legionnaires. A Roman arrogance leaders, and underestimation, and a brilliant leader with the intelligence to recognize an opportunity when they saw one.
