Episode 19: Rome's Ultimate Defeat

History of the Celts

Jul 28, 2025•27 min

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Summary

The episode recounts Rome's ultimate defeat at the Battle of Cannae against Hannibal in the Second Punic War. It examines the strategic blunders, the Roman leadership's overconfidence, and Hannibal's masterful battlefield tactics that led to the decimation of the Roman army. The discussion also delves into the historical biases of sources like Livy and Polybius, and the enduring debate over Hannibal's decision not to march on Rome immediately after his decisive victory.

Episode description

This episode I discuss the worst defeat suffered by the Romans in the Second Punic War. Hannibal’s genius is on fulldisplay as well as Rome’s disorganization. Listen now to understand how Hannibal beat one of the largest armies in the Ancient World.

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Intro: Skye Cuillin by Kevin Macleod

Outro: Celtic Heart by Kira Daly

Primary Sources:

Polybius Histories Book III

Titus Livius The History of Rome Book XXII