Cannae and Capua

The Romans lost over 10,000 foot soldiers and cavalry to Hannibal at Cannae. Two big legions in fact. A dead Roman had been seen in the carnage, still biting the saddle of a Carthaginian horse. Cannae was biggest rout they had suffered since Trasimene. This lark couldn't continue. Hannibal had designs on capturing Rome and conquering the world. A Roman consul was sent to the Oracle at Delphi in Greece which was still very much operational. He received a letter that outlined the advice given by the Pythia. In a favourable prophecy, the gods supposedly said they would back him if he donated them plenty of gold, after Hannibal was defeated. Good news and bad news really. Many omens were spotted in various cities across Italy, which lead people to believe it really was the end of the world. The Sacred Books were often consulted. Two Vestal virgins were put to death after being deflowered by a randy senator. One girl was buried alive at the Colline Gate, as was customary for this particular brand of crime. Hannibal seized the affluent city of Capua, capital of Campania, which was richer than Rome in 200BC. The Capuans now indulged in a lavish and seemingly decadent lifestyle and were in two minds about who they should be allied with. The new governor, Calavius, was a bit of a treacherous fellow and had worked his way up the greasy pole of local politics by much chicanery. Some dignitaries were sent to a sauna whereupon he locked the door and they all choked to death on the steam. He was chummy with Hannibal and had ideas about killing the Senate and defecting to Carthage. His son was appalled by his dad's behaviour and one day at a banquet over at Hannibal's gaff he told his dad he was going to chop Hannibal's head off with a big sword. He showed his dad the sword in the garden. His dad was taken aback and talked him out of it saying that he would end up as public enemy number one and would be doing himself or the family no favours. It certainly might've changed the course of events. Cannae was such a disaster for Rome they press ganged children, prisoners and 8000 slaves into the new army. The Romans were very tenacious and never surrendered despite the overwhelming odds against them. They also knew Hannibal was getting tired and his food supplies were getting low as he had many legions to feed. The rumour of his eating human flesh is unsupported. He was no doubt cruel at times. A Roman consul delivered a rousing speech which injected much solidarity and new confidence into the Roman citizens. A stern old Roman reckoned the army had made a mockery of things at Cannae so advised people not to pay any money for the hostages. He said it was disgraceful that they turned themselves in when they should've escaped when Carthaginians were resting at night. He had a point but he wasn't at the Battle so he didn't know all the circumstances. The young Scipio would eventually be the great Roman general to win the war. He had no intention of ever giving in to the Carthaginians and when he heard some fellow consuls talking like dirty traitors he threatened them with death by his sword if they didn't instantly change their attitude. This approach worked. Scipio went to work stirring up patriotism and appeasing the gods, Apollo in particular, in preparation for a new offensive. Mago was sent across to Carthage in Africa for reinforcements - as Hannibal Barca was aware of the courageous Roman spirit and he knew this wasn't the end of the matter. Romans were starting to form new alliances with old Gallic foes as the Gauls thought Hannibal had turned out to be a bit too tyrannical for their liking. The Gauls would pretty much go with whoever was winning the war but they were a funny old lot and never to be completely trusted. The Carthaginian navy were still having a pop at Roman held Lilybum in Sicily and King Hiero was getting a bit cross. He was a Roman ally. Sicily was vital for grain and fruit supplies. Hannibal tried to capture Ibiza Town but gave up on that one. Probably too many clubbers blocking the way while queueing for Pacha!