Kings and Generals
Kings and Generals
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Hannibal's Masterpiece - Cannae 216 BC - Second Punic War DOCUMENTARY

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April 3, 2025

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🎥 Watch the rest of our Punic War series and more than 250+ other exclusive videos on youtubeyoutube.com/channel/UCMmaBzfCCwZ2KqaBJjkj0fw/join or patreonSupport us on Paypal as well!

Kings and Generals' historical animated documentary series on the history of Rome continues with the sixth episode of our coverage of the Second Punic War with Hannibal's masterpiece the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC. In the summer of 216 BC, the Roman Republic stood on the brink. Strange omens unnerved the city — bleeding statues, red-tinted springs, and lightning strikes. These signs foreshadowed what would become Rome’s most devastating defeat: the Battle of Cannae. As Hannibal Barca advanced through Apulia, the Romans assembled an unprecedented force of nearly 90,000 men under Consuls Aemilius Paulus and Terentius Varro. While both men held command on alternating days, their strategic differences quickly became apparent. Rome’s plan was multi-layered, targeting Hannibal’s allies in Italy, Spain, and North Africa. Yet the Carthaginian general consistently outmaneuvered his enemies, setting up ambushes and choosing battlefields that played to his strengths. Near the village of Cannae, he chose flat terrain ideal for cavalry — and baited the Romans into attacking. As their heavy infantry pressed forward, Hannibal's center fell back by design, drawing the legions into a trap. Hidden flanks of Libyan infantry closed in, while his superior cavalry returned to attack the Roman rear. What followed was a massacre: tens of thousands of Romans were killed or captured. This video traces the full arc of the campaign — from strategy and tactics to personal bravery and catastrophic loss — showing how Hannibal achieved one of history’s greatest military victories.

Caesar in Gaul: youtu.be/LRV185XaMIM

Caesar against Pompey: youtu.be/_O5DshzvUsk

How Caesar Won the Great Roman Civil War: youtu.be/o8F8IajtW9U

What Happened In Rome After Caesar's Assassination: youtu.be/jfBsb_-h-_M

Medieval Battles: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaBYW76inbX46r95D4BjCxiJz7-OeyOtW

Roman History: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaBYW76inbX6WrNCeL_AdR36ZIODiGNzq

Marcus Aurelius: youtu.be/cLtDWIsOs1E

Aurelian: youtu.be/YQHNaemGOoI

Milvian Bridge: youtu.be/VbFtMXytMj8

Script: Arnaldo Teodarani

Animation: Antoni Kameran

Illustration: Banskie Ayuban

Machinima: MalayArcher using Total War: Rome II engine

Narration: Officially Devin

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Production Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Guests & Subjects Covered

Second Punic War DOCUMENTARYPunic WarSecond Punic WarBC InRoman RepublicCannae As Hannibal BarcaConsuls Aemilius PaulusTerentius Varro While

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