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Osprey Campaign #36
Canne, il capolavoro di Annibale
Si dice, a ragion veduta, che la battaglia di Canne sia stata una delle più grandi della storia. Lo stratagemma di Annibale è diventato un classico della strategia e si studia accuratamente in tutte le accademie militari del mondo. A Canne i Romani si presentarono davanti ad Annibale con un esercito di 80.000 soldati di fanteria e 6.000 cavalieri. Annibale li affrontò con 40.000 fanti e 10.000 cavalieri. Lo scontro fu un capolavoro di controllo del campo di battaglia. Quando finì, i Romani avevano subito la perdita di 47.500 fanti e 2.700 cavalieri, mentre 19.300 di loro erano stati fatti prigionieri.
94 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 15, 2023
CANNAE 216 BC is more than just the tale of the most brilliant tactical battles in history but a well rounded synopsis of the events leading up to it. Included are maps, photographs, color plates, a chronology, references, a description of the battlefield today, and even tips on war gaming this famous battle with miniature armies. It is a cornucopia of information for those interested in one of the most famous battles ever fought.
Through diplomacy and force of arms, ancient Rome conquered all her neighbors to become the powerhouse in Italy and the eastern half of the Mediterranean. Across the sea on the northern coast of Africa was the city of Carthage, which vied with Rome for control of the western half, which was mainly Spain. This struggle for supremacy led to the First Punic War, which Rome barely won after some twenty years of conflict, thanks in a large part to her navy. It had been a costly war, but it was only a matter of time before hostilities resumed which resulted in the Second Punic War.
Carthage had a fair sized army in Spain, the leadership which eventually fell to one Hannibal Barca. Knowing that Rome had a vast territory to draw men and supplies from, Hannibal and his brother Hasdrubal went on the offensive. Hannibal's intentions were to carry the war into Italy in the hope that conquered people would abandon Rome and switch allegiance. One must remember that those people didn't consider themselves Italians but rather separate cities and tribes conquered by Rome. Not wanting to risk transferring his army by sea, Hannibal had the audacity to begin marching his army through the Alps in mid-October to get into Roman territory.
Hannibal had the charisma to attract the various tribesmen to his cause. They fought not for money, loot, or empire, but for Hannibal. He marched with his troops and shared their meals, as well as their hardships. It was just the opposite in the Roman army, which was professional and armed with excellent weapons, but led by rich politicians known as consuls.
After crossing the Alps, where his army had to not only fight hostile tribesmen but winter storms as well, he led his men to victory in the battles of Trebbia and Lake Trasimene. These were both crushing defeats of Roman Legions. Some 20,000 Romans were killed or captured at Trebbia and 25,000 at Trasimene. Shortly after that a cavalry force of some 4,000 were wiped out. Rome was in a panic, but they didn't realize they were safe behind the city walls. Hannibal lacked the means and men to take the city, and that wasn't his war strategy anyway. He wanted to destroy the Roman Legions in the field. While the senators were raising more legions to crush Hannibal, one Fabius Maximus pleaded for caution as he believed that Hannibal was unbeatable in the field. But they didn't heed his warnings and instead raised an army of an unpresented eight legions of some 80,000 men. This massive army marched to meet Hannibal at the captured military magazine at Cannae.
The Romans felt confident for not only did they outnumber Hannibal's army but they would be fighting on the ground of their choosing. Their army was deployed with the eight legions abreast with the cavalry on the wings. What could go wrong?
What happened was Hannibal used their strengths and tactics against them. His Celt and Gaul allies were in the center of his line. After the battle started, they slowly gave ground in the center making a half circle. On the left flank Hannibal's heavy cavalry slashed their way through the Roman right wing sending them fleeing off the field. They then turned and attacked the Roman left wing cavalry, sending them running for their lives as well. Turning once again, which in itself was quite an achievement in those days, they attacked the Romans in the rear while Hannibal's best troops, African Heavy Infantry, attacked both Roman flanks. Caught in the trap, the Roman army was destroyed.
Is there any wonder his name lived on in history to be taken up again by a fictitious criminal mastermind?
Through diplomacy and force of arms, ancient Rome conquered all her neighbors to become the powerhouse in Italy and the eastern half of the Mediterranean. Across the sea on the northern coast of Africa was the city of Carthage, which vied with Rome for control of the western half, which was mainly Spain. This struggle for supremacy led to the First Punic War, which Rome barely won after some twenty years of conflict, thanks in a large part to her navy. It had been a costly war, but it was only a matter of time before hostilities resumed which resulted in the Second Punic War.
Carthage had a fair sized army in Spain, the leadership which eventually fell to one Hannibal Barca. Knowing that Rome had a vast territory to draw men and supplies from, Hannibal and his brother Hasdrubal went on the offensive. Hannibal's intentions were to carry the war into Italy in the hope that conquered people would abandon Rome and switch allegiance. One must remember that those people didn't consider themselves Italians but rather separate cities and tribes conquered by Rome. Not wanting to risk transferring his army by sea, Hannibal had the audacity to begin marching his army through the Alps in mid-October to get into Roman territory.
Hannibal had the charisma to attract the various tribesmen to his cause. They fought not for money, loot, or empire, but for Hannibal. He marched with his troops and shared their meals, as well as their hardships. It was just the opposite in the Roman army, which was professional and armed with excellent weapons, but led by rich politicians known as consuls.
After crossing the Alps, where his army had to not only fight hostile tribesmen but winter storms as well, he led his men to victory in the battles of Trebbia and Lake Trasimene. These were both crushing defeats of Roman Legions. Some 20,000 Romans were killed or captured at Trebbia and 25,000 at Trasimene. Shortly after that a cavalry force of some 4,000 were wiped out. Rome was in a panic, but they didn't realize they were safe behind the city walls. Hannibal lacked the means and men to take the city, and that wasn't his war strategy anyway. He wanted to destroy the Roman Legions in the field. While the senators were raising more legions to crush Hannibal, one Fabius Maximus pleaded for caution as he believed that Hannibal was unbeatable in the field. But they didn't heed his warnings and instead raised an army of an unpresented eight legions of some 80,000 men. This massive army marched to meet Hannibal at the captured military magazine at Cannae.
The Romans felt confident for not only did they outnumber Hannibal's army but they would be fighting on the ground of their choosing. Their army was deployed with the eight legions abreast with the cavalry on the wings. What could go wrong?
What happened was Hannibal used their strengths and tactics against them. His Celt and Gaul allies were in the center of his line. After the battle started, they slowly gave ground in the center making a half circle. On the left flank Hannibal's heavy cavalry slashed their way through the Roman right wing sending them fleeing off the field. They then turned and attacked the Roman left wing cavalry, sending them running for their lives as well. Turning once again, which in itself was quite an achievement in those days, they attacked the Romans in the rear while Hannibal's best troops, African Heavy Infantry, attacked both Roman flanks. Caught in the trap, the Roman army was destroyed.
Is there any wonder his name lived on in history to be taken up again by a fictitious criminal mastermind?
May 29, 2015
I'm having a hard time making up my mind about this book, as I percieve it to be a strange mix of revisionistic opinions and slightly annoying conservative standpoints. But let's start from the begining.
Overall, it's a standard Osprey Campaign offering - author starts off with introduction to the era, reasons for the conflict, short descriptions of opposing generals and troops involved as well as their weapons and qualities. This part of the book is unusually good and filled with solid facts, even though author's contrasting between Hannibal and Rome's generalship is in my opinion a bit unfair.
Main part of the book is commited to Hannibal's campaign after his crossing of the Alps. Trebbia and Lake Trasimene are covered just as well as Cannae, so one could actually regard this book as narrative of Hannibal's first three years in Italy, not just his most famous victory. Of course one could also point out that Hannibal's first two victories are an integral part of events leading to Cannae, so it would be hard to ommit them.
Last third deals with the battle itself, from the buildup to its conclusion. Here author allows himself to take a little ride into realm of speculation and spends surprisingly much time on an attempt to vindicate Varro! He goes as far as claiming that the entire 'alternate command on daily basis' story is a bit of humbug created by Polybius and even if it was true, circumstantial evidence points according to Mr. Healy to a conclusion that it was in fact Paullus who had the command that day. For those of us who are Romanofiles this excursion will probably be a bit of fun read, while those 'not in on the joke' will most probably wonder what' Mr. Healy is rambling on about.
Author's analysis of the battlefield and especially his observation about the river probably having different course at the time of the battle than it has today is of great interest, as it could be a contributing factor to the explanation about battle's outcome. Equally interesting, but much more speculative is the discussion about the dispositions of opposing armies. This is where author's 'historical traditionalism' enters the picture, with the battle itself is presented in a neat bundle - Hannibal's concave infantry formation drags Roman legionaries into a sack, African phallanxes smash into their sides and the final blow comes when Hasdrubal's cavalry smashes into Roman mob from the rear. Personally I always found this explanation of Cannae overly simplistic and it is a bit disappointing that the author accepts it without reservations.
Overall though, it's one of the best Osprey's I've read so far. It is filled to the brim with information about various topics and yes, even author's take on the battle itself is of value.
Overall, it's a standard Osprey Campaign offering - author starts off with introduction to the era, reasons for the conflict, short descriptions of opposing generals and troops involved as well as their weapons and qualities. This part of the book is unusually good and filled with solid facts, even though author's contrasting between Hannibal and Rome's generalship is in my opinion a bit unfair.
Main part of the book is commited to Hannibal's campaign after his crossing of the Alps. Trebbia and Lake Trasimene are covered just as well as Cannae, so one could actually regard this book as narrative of Hannibal's first three years in Italy, not just his most famous victory. Of course one could also point out that Hannibal's first two victories are an integral part of events leading to Cannae, so it would be hard to ommit them.
Last third deals with the battle itself, from the buildup to its conclusion. Here author allows himself to take a little ride into realm of speculation and spends surprisingly much time on an attempt to vindicate Varro! He goes as far as claiming that the entire 'alternate command on daily basis' story is a bit of humbug created by Polybius and even if it was true, circumstantial evidence points according to Mr. Healy to a conclusion that it was in fact Paullus who had the command that day. For those of us who are Romanofiles this excursion will probably be a bit of fun read, while those 'not in on the joke' will most probably wonder what' Mr. Healy is rambling on about.
Author's analysis of the battlefield and especially his observation about the river probably having different course at the time of the battle than it has today is of great interest, as it could be a contributing factor to the explanation about battle's outcome. Equally interesting, but much more speculative is the discussion about the dispositions of opposing armies. This is where author's 'historical traditionalism' enters the picture, with the battle itself is presented in a neat bundle - Hannibal's concave infantry formation drags Roman legionaries into a sack, African phallanxes smash into their sides and the final blow comes when Hasdrubal's cavalry smashes into Roman mob from the rear. Personally I always found this explanation of Cannae overly simplistic and it is a bit disappointing that the author accepts it without reservations.
Overall though, it's one of the best Osprey's I've read so far. It is filled to the brim with information about various topics and yes, even author's take on the battle itself is of value.
April 30, 2021
When Hannibal Barca is at your front door, let him pass, unless you're a reckless Roman who really want to spill your blood like the soldiers at Cannae. Luckily, Hannibal has no intention to conquer Rome, or it will be the end of the Roman Republic, or maybe, its civilization.
October 31, 2012
An excellent, and concise at only 96 pages, summary of the second Punic war from it's initial encounters through to the titular battle of Cannae, the height of Hannibal's power at 216. Very little is said of the following years leading to Hannibal's recall to Africa and his defeat at the hands of Scipio Africanus, but this shouldn't be surprising given the tight focus of the book itself.
The coverage of the early war and it's major battles and personages is brief, but succinct and usable, and the comments on the personal situations of the primary source writers of this era make for illuminating reading (Livy and Polybius mainly). The battle of Cannae itself is very well described, with full colour diagrams displaying the troop formations at various stages of the battle, an in depth discussion of the likely troop makeup and size of each army (Hannibal was outnumbered by 2:1 or more) and the tactics being employed on both sides that led to Hannibal's most famous victory.
Highly recommended to any fans of ancient or military history, particularly anyone with an interest in the Republican Rome period, as the battles with Hannibal in Italy resulted in a significant shift in the Roman mindset and was a major milestone in a lot of ways on the transition from citizen republic to Roman Empire.
The coverage of the early war and it's major battles and personages is brief, but succinct and usable, and the comments on the personal situations of the primary source writers of this era make for illuminating reading (Livy and Polybius mainly). The battle of Cannae itself is very well described, with full colour diagrams displaying the troop formations at various stages of the battle, an in depth discussion of the likely troop makeup and size of each army (Hannibal was outnumbered by 2:1 or more) and the tactics being employed on both sides that led to Hannibal's most famous victory.
Highly recommended to any fans of ancient or military history, particularly anyone with an interest in the Republican Rome period, as the battles with Hannibal in Italy resulted in a significant shift in the Roman mindset and was a major milestone in a lot of ways on the transition from citizen republic to Roman Empire.
February 12, 2025
I enjoy this one. It's like old-time war magazines that I used to read as a teenager. The graphics are good, and plenty of unusual and fresh nuggets of information, especially about the equipments, formations, and how Hannibal's strategy would cope in modern war games. Of course, Hannibal is a true genius. The Romans sent an army twice, Hannibal crushed them. The Romans were baffled, how could our well-equiped, disciplined, and formidable legions got crushed. Let's send 4 consular armies at once, outnumber Hannibal almost 2 to 1, make sure there is no ambush by fighting on an open field, surely we got him this time, no? What transpired is the Battle of Cannae, and it's a mindboggling triumph of strategy, the likes that has almost never been seen before, where a smaller and less equiped army completely surrounded and wiped out a much bigger army.
October 9, 2021
Seperti biasa serial Osprey adalah yang terbaik dalam menjelaskan taktik dan jalannya pertempuran; meski tidak pernah terlalu dalam saat menjelaskan konflik dari perapektif yang lebih makro.
February 28, 2019
A parte gráfica é o ponto forte do livro, recheado de fotos e mapas coloridos, mostra armas e equipamentos, indumentárias, formações militares, esquemas das batalhas, ilustrações e peças arqueológicas, dando ao leitor uma melhor noção de como foi a guerra visualmente.
O foco é na batalha de Canas, mas também é falado das batalhas dos rios Tessino e Trébia além da do lago Trasimeno, sempre destacando os perfis dos principais comandantes das batalhas.
Há uma breve introdução sobre a Segunda Guerra Púnica para contextualizar o leitor que não possua conhecimento dos acontecimentos, mas acho que o livro seja mais recomendado para quem já tenha um conhecimento prévio das Guerras Púnicas, já que o livro aborda apenas uma pequena parte do longo confronto entre Roma e Cartago.
A tradução para português de Portugal deixa o texto um pouco travado, com muitas palavras e expressões que soam estranhas aos brasileiros, mas nada que prejudique o entendimento.
Recomendo!
O foco é na batalha de Canas, mas também é falado das batalhas dos rios Tessino e Trébia além da do lago Trasimeno, sempre destacando os perfis dos principais comandantes das batalhas.
Há uma breve introdução sobre a Segunda Guerra Púnica para contextualizar o leitor que não possua conhecimento dos acontecimentos, mas acho que o livro seja mais recomendado para quem já tenha um conhecimento prévio das Guerras Púnicas, já que o livro aborda apenas uma pequena parte do longo confronto entre Roma e Cartago.
A tradução para português de Portugal deixa o texto um pouco travado, com muitas palavras e expressões que soam estranhas aos brasileiros, mas nada que prejudique o entendimento.
Recomendo!
March 29, 2013
238 - 2013
Cannae.
Hannibal vs Scipio.
Tunggu... itu kan pertempuran yang diangkat di arena gladiator dengan Maximus sebagai Hannibal? Tapi sepertinya beda, karena yang di film Gladiator seharusnya Scipio yang menang.
=====================
Catatan:
Entah apa pertimbangan KPG, seri Medan Laga Osprey yang ini ukurannya lebih kecil dari jilid-jilid sebelumnya. Jadinya agak aneh kalau nanti disusun berderet dengan teman-temannya.
Cannae.
Hannibal vs Scipio.
Tunggu... itu kan pertempuran yang diangkat di arena gladiator dengan Maximus sebagai Hannibal? Tapi sepertinya beda, karena yang di film Gladiator seharusnya Scipio yang menang.
=====================
Catatan:
Entah apa pertimbangan KPG, seri Medan Laga Osprey yang ini ukurannya lebih kecil dari jilid-jilid sebelumnya. Jadinya agak aneh kalau nanti disusun berderet dengan teman-temannya.
November 27, 2012
This a superb introduction to the early stages of the Second Punic War. My only gripes are a lack of discussion of Cannae's aftermath and some turgid prose in discussing the Varro/Paullus relationship.
May 16, 2013
I love it. It gives me a big picture of the great war between Carthage (Tunisia) and Rome.
May 16, 2014
Good overview of Cannae before I read Von Schiefflein's book on Cannae.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews