In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Dominic and Tom delve into the infamous Battle of Cannae, a pivotal and bloodiest clash in the Second Punic War between Rome and Hannibal's Carthaginian forces. They dissect Livy's visceral account of the aftermath, highlighting the battle's enduring fascination for military strategists, including its influence on figures like Schlieffen and Eisenhower. The hosts explore Hannibal's strategic aims, which focused on undermining Rome's alliances rather than outright destruction, and contrast them with the Romans' all-or-nothing mentality. They detail the Roman's massive army and Hannibal's cunning tactics, including his crescent formation designed to encircle and annihilate the Roman legions, culminating in a vivid depiction of the battle's unfolding horror and Hannibal's devastating victory. The episode concludes by pondering Rome's next move and teasing a future series to continue the narrative.
