What other major battles were fought during the Second Punic War?
During the Second Punic War, several major battles were fought that played significant roles in shaping the outcome of the conflict. Apart from the Battle of Cannae, some of the notable engagements include:
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Battle of Zama (202 BC): This battle marked the final showdown between Hannibal and the Roman general Scipio Africanus. Scipio devised a brilliant strategy that neutralized Hannibal's superior cavalry, resulting in a decisive Roman victory that effectively ended the war.
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Battle of Trebia (218 BC): This was the first major battle of the war, where Hannibal demonstrated his tactical genius by luring the Roman forces into a trap. Despite the bitter cold and heavy losses, Hannibal emerged victorious and inflicted a significant blow to Rome's confidence.
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Battle of Trasimene (217 BC): Hannibal's forces ambushed a Roman army led by Consul Gaius Flaminius. Surprising them in dense fog, the Carthaginians trapped and annihilated the Romans, leaving nearly 15,000 soldiers dead. It was another stunning victory for Hannibal and increased Rome's desperation to defeat him.
These battles, along with others like the Battle of Cannae, shaped the course of the Second Punic War, displaying both the military brilliance of Hannibal and the resilience of the Roman Republic.