To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.
I. THe occasion of this War briefly rehearsed. II. Hannibal passes the Alpes, takes Turine, twice defeats Scipio, slay's Flaminius, and destroys his whole Army. III. Centenius defeated by him: the City in great fear make Fabius Dictator. IV. The Battel at Cannae, Varro's Cow∣ardise. V. The Peoples fear after the defeat at Cannae: The Senates
Courage, and Hannibal's cruelty. VI. Several Roman Allies revolt to Hannibal. Gracchus the Proconsul slain. VII. Capua besieged by the Ro∣mans. Hannibal to divert that Siege, marches directly to Rome, the Cities fears: Nevertheless he returns, having only viewed it. VIII. Hannibal's Stratagem defeated by Claudius, Capua taken by the Romans. IX. Titia taken and recovered: Salatia revolts from Hannibal. X. The Consuls Fulvius and Marcellus slain; yet Hannibal's Affairs grow worse and worse. XI. Asdrubal, Hannibal's brother, with the Army he brought out of Spain totally routed. XII. Hannibal quitting all the rest of Italy, retires among the Brutians, and in vain expects aid from Carthage. XII. Scipio sails with an Army into Africa: several of the Brutians fall off from Hanni∣bal. XIII. He is recalled home, his cruelty at his departure, and the end of this War.
NOw what was done by Hannibal the Carthaginian, when out [ I] of Spain he led his Forces into Italy, during the full sixteen years that he there continued in Arms, acting, and in his turn suffering all the extremities of War; till by his fellow Citizens (his own Country being in jeopardy) he was re∣called, and by the Romans driven out of Italy, shall be the Subject of this Book; and though the causes, both of the breaking out, and of the carry∣ing on this War into Italy, as well what in reality they were, as what was openly pretended, be in the Spanish History most accurately declared; yet it will not be amiss for the refreshing the Readers Memory, to make some short rehearsal. Amilcar, sirnamed Barcas, Father of this Hannibal, in that War waged between the Romans and Carthaginians in Sicily, was General of the Carthaginian Forces; and being for his ill Conduct accused by his Enemies, and thereof doubtful, he so managed Affairs, that before rendring any account of his former charge, he was created General a∣gainst the Numidians. In which War, because he much advanced the Commonwealth, and by Gifts and Rapines pleased that Army, he was first sent by the Carthaginian people to Cadiz, whence crossing over that Strait into Spain, by sending many rich Presents out of the Spoil of that Country into Carthage, he reconciled himself to the people, striving by all means to wipe off the Memory of the Sicilian Ignominy. At length having subdued many People, and got great Glory, he drew on the Carthaginians, with a hope and desire of possessing all Spain, as a thing easily effected; whereupon the Saguntines, and other Greeks, in∣habiting Spain, sought for refuge to the Romans: Whereupon it was a∣greed between the Romans and Carthaginians, and ratified by Writings, that the Bounds of the Carthaginian Dominion should be the River Ibe∣rus. After which Barcas setling in Spain the Affairs of the subdued Peo∣ple, was in a certain Battel slain; and Asdrubal, the Son-in-Law of Bar∣cas, substituted in his place, who being likewise (as he was hunting) killed by a Slave, whose Master he had put to death; the third from them, who for his skill in, and love of warlike Affairs, was chosen Ge∣neral by the Army; was this Hannibal, the Son of Barcas, and Brother to Asdrubal's Wife, a young man indeed: but who had lived all his time with his Father or Brother-in-Law; and having now the Command gi∣ven by the Soldiery, the Carthaginian people approved it; and so this Hannibal, of whom I am about to write, was declared General for the Carthaginians against the Spaniards; who perceiving his Fathers friends
exposed to the designs and malice of their Enemies, who despising his Youth, began to set things on foot against them, not being ignorant, but their dangers would one day fall upon his own head. That out of the publick fear he might acquire and establish freedom and security for himself; he devised how to embroil his Country in a War, and think∣ing none more fit for his purpose, more lasting, nor likely to be more for his Glory, than a War with the Romans; the very attempting which, though he succeeded ill, would get him no small Renown (to omit the report spread abroad, that when a Boy, his Father made him swear at the Altar, never to be at peace with the Romans) he resolved, notwith∣standing the League, to cross over the Iberus, which he thus found oc∣casion to effect: He set on some to accuse the Saguntines, and plied the Senate with frequent Letters; alledging that the Romans solicited all Spain to revolt; till at length he obtained leave to deal with the Saguntines, as he himself thought fit: so he crossed the Iberus, and utterly rased the Ci∣ty of the Saguntines. Thus were all the Leagues made between the Ro∣mans and Carthaginians, since the Sicilian War, utterly broken.
[ II] But what Hannibal and others, either Carthaginian or Roman Generals, did in Spain, the Spanish History declares: He gathering together vast multitudes of Africans, Celtiberians, and many other Nations, delivering over Spain to his Brother Asdrubal, and climbing over the Pyrenean Hills, came into Celtica, which is now called Gallica, leading with him ninety thousand Footmen, twelve thousand Horse, and seven and thirty Elephants, and joyning to him some Gauls, partly gained by Gold, partly by Pro∣mises, and partly by Force, lead them along with him: whence pro∣ceeding on his March, when he came to the Alpes, though he saw no ascent nor passage (for all before him seemed craggy and inaccessible) yet with a strange confidence of mind, which no labour could make bend, he setled himself to go forward; and finding all the passages stop'd with deep Snow, and Ice congealed together, thawing it by kindling mighty Fires, and quenching the Ashes with Water and Vinegar, and then break∣ing the scorched and cleaving Rocks with Iron Hammers and Wedges, by little and little lessened them, and opened himself a way, which to this day lyes so, and is called Hannibals passage. But when hunger be∣gan to afflict his Army, he with more speed lead them on, whilst none yet knew of his coming into Italy. After six Months spent after his de∣parture from Spain, with great difficulty and the loss of many men, he in the end got down from the Mountains into the Plain; where giving his Army some short rest, he went and took Turine, a City of the Gauls, which being gained by storm, and the Captives (to strike a terrour into the rest of the Gauls) all slain, he marched his Army to the Eridanus (now called Po) whereabouts the Romans, at that time waged War against the Boian Gauls. P. Cornelius Scipio, the Roman Consul, then sent to wage War against the Carthaginians in Spain, hearing of Hannibal's being gone in∣to Italy; leaving Spain, and the Command of that Army to his Brother Cn. Scipio, sailed into* 1.1 Hetruria; from whence making haste, and ga∣thering together all the force he could, he got to the Po before Hannibal passed it; and sending Manlius and Attilius, who commanded in the War against the Boians to Rome (for the Consuls being present, their Commis∣sion was at an end) and joyning their Forces with his, drew up his Army to give Battel to Hannibal. The Fight being begun by the light armed Darters and Horsemen, the Romans circumvented by the Africans, fled
to their Tents, and next night having first broke down the Bridge o∣ver the Po, retreated to Placentia, a place well fortified; but Hannibal making a new Bridge, brought his Army likewise over. These brave Exploits, after his coming down from the Alpes into the Plain, stood him not in little stead among the Transalpine Gauls, who thought him an invincible Leader, and a man to all whose attempts Fortune showed her self favourable and propitious; which Renown to increase among these Barbarians already astonished, with admiration of him, and therefore easily to be deceived; he often changed his Habit and Hair, which dai∣ly was by some new Artifice prepared and coloured, so that passing through their Country, he sometimes appeared like an old, sometimes like a young, and sometimes like a middle aged man; so that seeing him continually varying from himself, they forthwith judged Divine Nature to be in him. Sempronius, the other Consul, who was then in Sicily, having certain intelligence of these things, came to Scipio by Sea, and sets down within forty Furlongs of his Colleague; and now all things were prepared for the next days Battel. Only the River Trebia ran between, which the Romans before it was light on a cold and mizling Winters Morning, passed over almost up to the breast in Water, whilst Hannibal till the second hour refreshed his Solders in their Tents. The two Consuls so drew up their Army, that they might be on the Wings, placing the stoutest of their Foot in the main Body. Hannibal opposed his Elephants to the Horse, and his Foot to the Phalanx, and command∣ed his Horse to stand still behind the Elephants, till he gave them the Signal. The Battels being joyned, the Romans Horse affrighted with the sight and smell of the Elephants, to which they were unaccustomed, dispersed all abroad and fled; but the Foot, though stiff with cold, soak∣ed in Water, and tired and broken with continual watchings, yet with couragious hearts flew upon those Monsters, and cutting them cross the Nerves, wounded them, and had doubtless put to flight his Foot, had not Hannibal, giving his Signal to his Horsemen, sent them to flank the Enemy: For then the Roman Foot left naked by their Horse, whom the terrour of the Elephants had scattered, and oppressed by multitudes, fearing to be inclosed by their Enemies, took a speedy flight towards their Camp. Then were many of the Foot intercepted by the Horse, and others that reached the River, (which was not a little swell'd with the Snow melted by the heat of the Sun) were swallowed in the Stream, the depth of the Water not giving them foothold, nor their heavy Armour suffering them to swim. Scipio following them, and still encouraging his Soldiers, was very near slain, and desperately wounded, brought with much difficulty to Cremona. Near Placentia was a little Castle, which Hannibal going to storm, with the loss of forty of his men, went off himself wounded. After which both Armies betook themselves to Winter Quarters, Scipio in Cremona and Palantia, and Hannibal about the Po. The Romans hearing of this defeat given near the Po (for before Hannibals coming they had been worsted by the Boians) enrolled a new Army in the City, which accounting those at the Po, compleated thirteen Legions, and twice as many they commanded from their Allies. Some of these they thought fit to send into Spain, fome to Sardinia (for there they were at War too) and fome into Sicily the greater part which were left behind the Consuls Cn. Servilius, and Flaminius (who succeeded Scipio and Sempronius) led against Hannibal, and Scipio as Proconsul sailed into Spain. Flaminius with thirty thou∣sand
Foot, and three thousand Horse had the Guard of Italy, within the Appennine, which alone is properly called Italy; for the Appennine from the middle of the Alpes stretches it self to the Sea; on the right hand of which lyes that part, which is truly called Italy; that on the left hand to∣wards the Ionian Sea now indeed is Italy (for Hetruria is now likewise Italy) but part of it towards the Ionian Sea Coasts is inhabited by Greeks, and part by Gauls, who once making War upon the Romans, burnt the City; and whom Camillus pursuing to the Appennine; I am of the opinion, that crossing those Hills, they then seated themselves upon the Ionian Sea, and made that their Country, whence part of that Region is to this day called the Italian Gaul. But to proceed, the Romans having now at the same time many powerful Armies in several places, Hannibal having thereof intelligence, very secretly upon the first approach of the Spring, entred Hetruria, wasting that whole Country, and drawing to∣wards the City, struck a mighty terrour in the Romans, who had now no Army there to oppose him; yet of those that remained, they levyed eight thousand men, whom for want of other Magistrates, they gave Centenius the Command of, a private man indeed, but of the Patritian Race, and sent him into Umbria to the Plestine Marsh to guard that pas∣sage, which was the nearest way to the City. In the mean time Flami∣nius, who with thirty thousand men kept the interior Italy, hearing of Hannibal's celcrity; and being afraid of the City, forthwith removes his Camp; and giving his Army no rest, being a man ignorant of War∣like Affairs; and who by pride and popular boasting came to be chosen to this Command▪ by great journies hastens towards Hannibal, with resolution to fight him as soon as possible. Hannibal, who knew the mans furious temper, and unskilfulness in War, pitch'd his Tents behind a certain Mountain and Marsh, and hid all his Horse and Light Armed Men in the Valley. In the Morning at break of day, Flaminius seeing the Enemies Tents, stayed there a small while to re∣fresh his Army, and threw up a Trench; which done, he drew up his Army in Battel, before they had yet recovered strength, after so much labour and watching: but when the Ambushes rose upon them on all sides, then penn'd in between the Mountains and the Lake, and on both sides charged by their Enemies; the Consul himself, and twenty thousand with him were slain. The remaining ten thousand, who had fled to a certain Village, fortified by Nature, Maharbal, one of Hannibal's Com∣manders, who had himself gained great Renown in War, seeing he could not easily vanquish them by force, and thinking it not prudence to engage with desperate men, perswaded them to lay down their Arms, engaging upon his Honour, they should all have free leave to go whither they pleased. They having thereupon laid down their Arms, he carried them naked to Hannibal, who denying that Maharbal had any power without his Orders to promise any thing, such of the Associates as he found, he treated with all kindness, and dismissed without any ransom, by this Clemency, enticing and alluring the Cities to his party, but all the Romans he kept Prisoners. Among the Auxiliary Gauls, that by gain he might sweeten them, he likewise divided part of the prey, and then began to march on.
[ III] The Fame of these things coming to Servilius the Consul, who lay in his standing Camp near the Po, he with forty thousand men made haste towards Hetruria. Centenius still with his eight thousand men kept his
Post. Hannibal viewing the Plestine Marsh, and the Mountain hanging over it, and Centenius guarding the Passage, diligently enquired of the Chief of his Guards, if there were any way to go about the Mountain; and though they told him they were no way passible, but all was rough and craggy; yet he commanded Maharbal, with some Light Armed Men to fetch a compass about the Mountain, and about the same time that he conjectured he might have recovered the tops of the Hills, charged Centenius in Front; and whilst they were disputing it, Maharbal having stoutly recovered the tops of the Hills, with great shouts and cla∣mour shows himself. Then the flight of the Romans, and the slaughter of them was great, three thousand were slain, and eight hundred taken Prisoners, the rest hardly escaping. The news of this slaughter being brought to Rome, they were in a dreadful fear left Han∣nibal should now march directly to the City, wherefore they mann'd their Walls, and furnished them with Darts, and the Old Men armed, and for want of Arms, they took out of the Temples such, as being taken in former Wars, had been there hung up for Trophies; and ac∣cording to their Custom in all extremities, they created Fabius Maximus Dictator. But Hannibal, God averting him, turned off toward the Ioni∣an Sea, and wasting all their Coasts, got a vast prey. Servilius the Con∣sul opposing himself to Hannibal, came to A••minium, and that he might keep those Gauls, not yet alienated in their fidelity, staid with his Army one days march from thence, till Fabius the Dictator coming, sent Ser∣vilius, who after the creation of a Dictator, had no more power either as Consul or General, to Rome; and himself followed Hannibal close at the heels: but yet forbearing to engage him, though often provoked to it, thinking it enough, if warily watching him, he prevented him from besieging any Towns. Hannibal, the whole Country being wasted, be∣gan to be in want, wherefore ranging it over once more, and for many days drawing up his Forces, he endeavoured to tempt Fabius to fight. But the Dictator made no show of having any thoughts to engage him▪ though Minutius Rufus, General of his Horse, disallowed this proceed∣ing, and wrote to his Friends at Rome, that Fabius through fear and cowardise declined Battel. But it happened that Fabius going to Rome to perform the usual Sacrifices, Minutius fought a set Battel with Han∣nibal, wherein he seemed to have the better; whereupon grown more furious, he wrote to the Senate, accusing Fabius, that he had no mind to overcome. The Senate at Fabius return to the Army, thereupon made the Power equal between the Dictator and Master of the Horse: So they divided the Forces between them, and pitch'd their Camps apart, each stedfast in his own opinion. Fabius, that Hannibal was to be dealt with by temporizing, still vexing him, and taking care that he did no mischief Minutius, that he was presently to be fought with: But when he a while after engaging Hannibal, Fabius, who lay still with his Forces, well fore-seeing what after hapned, received Minutius's Soldiers put to flight and repulsed, Hannibal pursuing them, thereby securing Minutius from a very great slaughter; and being nothing less kind to him, notwithstand∣ing all his false accusations; then, I say, Minutius of his own accord condemning his own want of knowledge, resigning his Command, deli∣vered his part of the Army up to Fabius: Which passages Augustus in after times often remembred, who was himself wary of fighting, and chose rather to prevail by Policy than Power. Fabius no less diligent∣ly than before watch'd Hannibal's motions, hindring him from for∣raging;
and though declining a general Engagement, still falling upon all stragling parties, not doubting in a short time to reduce Hannibal to want of Provisions. Till both Armies drawing nigh to certain straits, which Hannibal foresaw not, Fabius sent before four thousand men, who forthwith possessing themselves of the straits, he himself pitch'd his Camp upon a certain Hill on the other side, where he lay secure. Han∣nibal seeing himself thus besieged, being shut in one side by Fabius's Ar∣my, and on the other by those guarded the passes, was struck with such a violent fear, as he never had been before; for he could perceive no way of escape, all other places being craggy and inaccessible: So that despairing how to get loose from Fabius, being so close block'd up, in this fear and trouble of mind, he caused five thousand Prisoners (left taking the opportunity of this present danger, they might raise some Tu∣mult and disorder) to be killed in cold blood. Then he commanded Torches to be tyed to the Horns of all the Cattle he had in the Camp, whereof there were abundance; and the next night setting on flame the Torches, and putting out all other Fires in the Camp, committed it to the care of the stoutest young men in his Army, to drive them up the craggy ways, between the straits and Fabius's Camp, with all the vi∣olence they could. The Oxen pricked forward by their Drivers, and scorched with the Flame of the Torches, run up with great fury among the Craggs and Precipices, and when any of them fell down, with greater violence they strove to clamber up again. The Romans, who were on both sides, when they saw a general silence and darkness in Hannibal's Camp, and perceived many lights shining in several places among the Mountains, could not plainly, especially being in the night, discover what the business should be. Fabius indeed suspected some device of Hanni∣bals, but being certain of nothing, kept within his Trenches. But those set for the Guard of the straits, thinking (which was all he wished they would do) that Hannibal sled, and was making his escape over the tops of the Mountains, ran to the places whither the lights guided them, ima∣gining to oppress Hannibal's men, labouring to get up. They were scarce moved from their Post, when Hannibal with deep silence, and without any light to keep the closer, runs in with his swiftest men, and possessing himself of, and placing a good Guard in the straits, by sound of Trum∣pet gave notice thereof to the rest; at the sound of which the whole Camp answered them with acclamations, and forthwith blew up their Fires. Then the Romans knew the cheat; so the rest of Hannibal's Army, and those that drove the Cattel, got safe to the passage; and he with his whole Army having thus beyond his own hopes got the Victory, and brought all his men safe off; he marched forward till he came to Gerione, a City of Apulia, stored with Corn, which making himself Master of, he spent the Winter in the midst of plenty and abundance. Fabius with the same resolutions and constancy still following him, pitch'd his Camp within ten Furlongs of Gerione, the River Aufidus running between both Armies, but the six Months being expired (which is the time established for the Dictatorship at Rome) the Consuls Servilius Attilius, again entring into their Magistracy, came to the Army, and Fabius returned to Rome. This Winter many skirmishes and engagements of Parties happened betwixt both Armies, in which always the Romans came off with the greater Honour and Glory; wherefore Hannibal, who till that time writing to his friends, used to adorn and set out his Letters with his own praises, now began to distrust his Affairs, and require Supplies of Men and Money.
But his Enemies who from the very first condemned his undertakings, then especially feigned not to understand him, for Conquerors, said they, did not use to ask, but freely to send Mony to their own Country, which Hanni∣bal proud with so many victories yet demands. At which words the Carthaginians moved sent him neither men nor money, which Hannibal deploring sent Letters into Spain to Asdrubal his brother commanding him, that with the first of the Summer with all the force he had, and what quantity of gold he could raise, he should make an irruption into Italy, and wast the utter parts thereof, that both sides burning, the Romans might be afflicted with a doubtful War: in this Posture stood Hannibals affairs.
The Fathers sorely grieved for the defeat of Flaminius and Centenius [ IV] and so many other cruel mischiefs, which they daily, as they thought dishonorably suffered, not being able to endure the War to continue so long at their own doors, and as it were in their very Seats, once more raised and sent an Army into Apulia consisting of four Legions, enrolled not without great regret in the City, and a mighty power of their Allies. Withal they created two Consuls one famous for Warlike Prowess L. Aemilius, who had made War in Illyria, the other of the Popular Fa∣ction Terentius Varro, a man who only with lofty promises soothed the minds of the Common people, whom when they sent out armed to the War, they besought as soon as they could to engage the Enemy, and not by longer Protracting the War exhaust the City by so many recruits, of Men, Mony, and Provisions, and through Idleness suffer the Country to burn. The Consuls receiving the Army that was in Apulia, and being now in all seventy thousand Foot and six thousand Horse, pitch their Camp in Cannae a Town of Apulia directly opposite to the Carthaginians. Hanni∣bal who had always been desirous to fight, and impatient of lying idle, at this time more especially did not decline an Engagement, being pressed to it by his own necessities, and a fear le••t the Mercenary Soldiers not ha∣ving their wages paid, should either run away from him or be scattered about the Country to get in Forrage. Wherefore he daily provoked the Enemy, whilst the Consuls were of quite different, and disagreeing judg∣ments, Aemilius thought that Hannibal was to be defeated by Tempori∣zing and patience, for that having only such Provisions as he day by day fetcht in, he could not long subsist; whilst it was hazardous fighting an Army and a General so long versed in Battels and accustomed to Victory: but Terentius (raised by the people and therefore remembring the Peo∣ples Commands) was for present fight. None save only Servilius Con∣sul the year preceding were of Aemilius mind, but all the Senators and those of the Order of Knights, who had any Office in the Army, were of Terentius opinion. Whilst the Romans lay in this manner, Hannibal who having a party sent out either to Wood or Forrage, set upon by them; first overcome, about the last watch of the night discamped, and feigned a flight as if he had fought to return to his own Country; which Varro be∣holding he drew out the Army as if he had been to pursue a flying Ene∣my, Aemilius in the mean time earnestly forbidding it, and calling them back, which when he saw did nothing avail, he went himself according to the Roman Custome, to take the usual signs, and he seing the Chicken peckt not, Commanded to let Varro know the ill Auspices. He indeed yielded to Religion, but being returned into the Camp before all the Army tore his Hair, crying out, that his Colleague had out of envy rob'd
him of the victory, the whole croud assenting to what he said, and ma∣king the like complaints. But when Hannibal saw his deceit had little profited him, he forthwith returned into his Camp, and discovered his dissembled flight, yet all this would not prevail with Varro, thence for∣ward to suspect Hannibal, but on the Contrary going into the Praetorium before all the Senators, Centurions, and Military Tribunes, he grievously inveighed against Aemilius, who either by falsely representing the Reli∣gious auspices, had rob'd the City of a Certain Victory, or through Fear and Cowardise, not daring to fight himself, had envyed him the glory of the day; in Raving manner uttering these speeches, the Soldiers who stood about the Tent greedily receiving, and gladly hearing these words with bitter reproaches blasted Aemilius, who yet forbore not though in vain to advise many useful things, but when all save only Servilius were furiously carried away by Varro's perswasion, the next day which was al∣most the last of his Command (for he after yielded it to Varro) he drew out his Army to fight: Hannibal perceived it, but because he was not that day sufficiently prepared, drew not out his Army. The next day both Ge∣nerals drew into the field. The Romans in a triple Battel, so as that the main body consisted of Armed Foot and the two Wings of light Armed Foot and Horse. Aemilius commanded the main body, Servilius the left Wing, and Varro the Right, and each had with them a body of about a thousand chosen Horse to run up and down upon all occasions, and give assistance where it was needful. This was the Order of the Roman battel. Hannibal not ignorant, that a certain stormy wind (which they call Vulturnus, and is the North East) blew usually about Noon in those parts, made it his first care to take possession of the ground so, that he might have the wind upon his back, Then upon a certain hill covered over with trees, and broken in sunder by several close Valleys, he placed some Horse and nimble Soldiers in Ambush, to whom he gave orders, that in the heat of the battel, and when the wind was risen they should charge the Enemy in the Rear, to these he added five hundred Celtiberians, who besides their long Swords, wherewith they were girt, had under their Coat Ar∣mors or Jacks, short Daggers, to stand in a readiness till he had occasion for them, and quietly to wait for the signal to be given them. Then ha∣ving likewise drawn his Army into a Triple Battel, and extended his Horse as far as he could upon the Wings, to inclose the Enemy, he gave the right Wing to Mago his brother, the left to Hanno his Nephew, and kept the main Battel himself to be opposite to Aemilius, who had the greatest Fame and knowledge in War, he had likewise two thousand Horse be∣sides a thousand commanded by Maharbal whom he appointed to keep continually moving, with orders upon occasion to assist any that were op∣pressed. And doing these things delay'd the battel till the second hour, at what time the wind began to rise, when all things were put in good order, the Generals began to incourage their respective Soldiers, the Romans by putting them in mind of their Parents, Wives and Children, and withal by remembring them of former defeats, let them know they fought this battel for the last stake, and their own general and particular preservation. Hannibal on the other side remembring his Men of their many famous Ex∣ploits, and the several Victories they had already gained against this very Enemy, told them dishonorable it would be, should they now be vanquish∣ed by those they had so often overcome. And now the Trumpets sound∣ing a charge and the Foot giving a shout, the light Armed Men first be∣gan, and then forthwith the Legions advanced to the Battel, then the
slaughter was great, and the labour mighty, both sides couragiously maintaining the ground. In the mean time Hannibal gave Orders to his Horse to inclose the Enemies Wings, whom the Roman Horse, though far inferiour in number, yet being drawn out in length, and extended as far as possible, with noble and undaunted courage received, especially those in the left Wing toward the Sea. Wherefore Hannibal and Ma∣harbal taking along those Horse they had with them, with a violent shock, and a savage and barbarous howling, fell in upon the Romans, as if by one fierce onset they would break through, and overset them; but the Romans received their charge without amazement, or giving the least ground. Hannibal seeing all these endeavours fruitless, lifted up the Sig∣nal for those five hundred Celtiberians, who soon after going out of the Body, as if they had deserted their party, delivered up to the Enemy their Shields, Darts and Swords, which were all the Arms that appeared about them. Servilius praising them, and soon disarming them, having, as he thought no other Armour but their Coats of Male, commanded them to set down behind the Army, not thinking it honourable in the Ene∣mies sight to cast Revolters into Bonds; and seeing them disarmed all to their Coats, he feared no hurt from them; besides the Army being in all parts ingaged, it was a time very unseasonable to do any thing more to them. About the same instant, some Regiments of the Africans dis∣sembling a flight, began with great cryes to run towards the Mountains, that warned by the Signal (for so it was agreed on) those who lay in the clefts of the Hill, might fall upon such as pursued them. So at one instant all the Horse and light armed Foot rising out of their Ambushes, and at the same time a great and violent storm of wind blowing the dust into the Romans faces, and blinding them, besides the force of the wind driving back the Roman Darts, and making them flee faintly and uncertain, whilst the Carthaginians coming with it, flew more sure and strong; the Ro∣mans not able any way to avoid these things, fell foul of one another, and the whole Army began to stagger; when those Celtiberians laying hold of this occasion to act their design, unsheathing their Daggers, first slew those at whose backs they stood; and siesing on their Shields, Darts and Swords, fell more freely upon the whole Body, and being behind them, made a horrible slaughter. The Romans, (having their Enemies before them, and being inclosed by Ambushes, and withal slain by these mixed amongst them, upon whom they could not turn, being so pressed by the Carthaginians in Front, and being likewise deceived by the likeness of the Arms, for the Celtiberians having got Roman Shields, they were scarce to be distinguished from their own men) were distracted with va∣rious and doubtful dangers; but among these misfortunes, the dust raised by the wind, did most of all afflict the Romans, for they could neither un∣derstand their own loss; but (as is usual in all frights and tumults) be∣lieved every thing worse than it was, and thought the Ambushes greater, and those five hundred much more numerous; wherefore at length be∣lieving their Camps already encompassed by the Horse and Fugitives, they began to make a disorderly flight, first on the right Wing, Varro himself leading the way, and afterwards on the left, whose Commander Servilius running in to Aemilius, and about ten thousaud stout Horse and Foot gathering about these two Commanders, they first, and by their Ex∣ample, the rest of the Horsemen soon after alighting, though they were on all sides encompassed round, yet on foot renewed the fight against Hannibal's Horse. There might be beheld all that men skilful in War,
and reduced to utter despair, could in that rage and fury act against an Enemy; yet they were slain on all sides, and now Hannibal himself in∣closing them, encouraged his men, sometimes with exhortations to per∣fect the relicks of the Victory, and sometimes reproaching their cow∣ardise, that when the whole Army was scattered and fled, they could not overcome so small a number: Yet the Romans, as long as Servilius and Aemilius stood, kept their Orders, giving and receiving multitudes of wounds: but when those two Generals fell, stoutly forcing their way through the midst of their Enemies, and then dispersing themselves, they fled, and many of them escaped to several Quarters. There were about fifteen thousand, who at the beginning of the rout, had fled into the two Camps, these Hannibal forthwith besieged: two thousand that had fled into the Town of Cannae, yeilded themselves to him, a few got safe to to Canusium, and the rest were dispersed through the Woods. This was the event of the Battel at Cannae, begun the second hour of the day, and continuing till two hours within night, till this very time famous for the great slaughter, there being in few hours no less than fifty thousand kill∣ed, great numbers taken alive, many Senators slain, with all the Centurions and Primipiles, and the two bravest of three Generals; for as to the third he most cowardly (though the Author of this Calamity) ran away at the beginning of the rout. Thus the Romans in two years War with Hanni∣bal had lost of their own, and their Allies, no less than two hundred thou∣sand men.
[ V] Hannibal having gained this famous and signal Victory, in which by four several Actions he demonstrated the Excellency of his Conduct, when he gained the wind of the Enemy, when he made the Celtiberians feign a revolt, when he dissembled a Flight, and when he placed his Ambushes. The next thing he did was to take a view of the dead, among whom when he beheld many of the bravest of his Friends; 'tis said that sighting he cryed out, He stood not in need of more such Victories: Much like to which is reported to have in the former Age been said by Pyrrhus, King of Epire, That by such defeats he should hardly vanquish the Ro∣mans. Those who were fled into the greater Camp, under the leading of Publius Sempronius, broke through Hannibal's Watches, tired for want of sleep, and fighting resolutely, and got about ten thousand of them to Canusium, but the five thousand that staid in the lesser Camp, were the next day taken by Hannibal. The Consul Terentius, gathering toge∣ther the relicks of the Army, and comforting them (sad, and quite cast down as they were) in the best manner he could, and leaving the Com∣mand of them to Scipio, Tribune of the Soldiers, went his way towards Rome; whither when this news was brought, great multitudes promiscu∣ously flocked to the Gates, lamenting their Friends, and calling them by name, and deploring their own misfortunes, as if the Enemy were al∣ready come to seise upon themselves; Mothers with their Children ran up and down to the Temples, imploring the Gods, that at length they would by some means put a stop to all these Miseries. The Magistrates likewise seeing the City thus oppressed by the Divine Anger, endeavour∣ed to appease the Gods with Prayers and Sacrifices, beseeching them to rest satisfied with the past slaughter. The Senate sent Q. Fabius (who likewise wrote a History of these things) to the Oracle at Delphos to en∣quire about the present state of things, and manumitted eight thousand slaves, strong young men, freely given by their Masters; gave Orders
throughout the City, for preparing Bows and Shields; and Claudius Mar∣cellus, who was about to fail into Sicily, changing their minds, they decreed to go against Hannibal. He dividing his Fleet with Furius his Colleague, and sending part of his Forces into Sicily, with the rest consisting of Ci∣tizens, Associates and Slaves to the numbers of about ten thousand Foot, and two thousand Horse went to Theanum, that he might discover what Hannibal designed. But Hannibal permitted some of the Captives to go as Deputies to Rome, to see if the Citizens would at his price redeem any of them, and three among all the rest being chosen to this office, of whom Cn. Sempronius was chief, taking no other pledge but their Oath to return, he let them go. Then the Neighbours of the Captives, standing round about the place, offered with their own private Money to redeem who∣ever they had a kindness for, beseeching the Senate to give them leave so to do, the people all weeping, and approving their motion; some of the Senators were of the opinion, that after so many Battels, the Common∣wealth was not to suffer the loss of so many men; and the Slaves were not to be preferred before Free-men: but others argued that such indul∣gence would accustom men to flight, who were rather to be taught how to overcome or die. Nor was it just that those, who fled, should experi∣ence any of their Clemency or Mercy. After many Examples produced for and against it, the Senate at length forbid the Neighbours to re∣deem the Captives, as judging whilst they were still beset with so many dangers, their present Clemency would be converted into furute damage, and that though this at present seemed a doleful severity, and inhumani∣ty, yet it would turn to future advantage; and indeed at that very time the strange boldness of this resolution appeared dreadful to Hannibal himself. Wherefore Sempronius, and the other two Captives, returned to the Enemy. Hannibal hereupon sold some of the Prisoners, and com∣manded others to be slain, of whose dead Bodies he made a Bridge, whereon his Army marched over the River; such of the Senate and No∣bility, as he had in his Camp, he set Father against Child, and Brother a∣gainst Brother, compelling them to fight against each other for a divertise∣ment to his Africans; in a word, he omitted no insulting cruelty that the pride of man could invent.
Thence he turned his Arms to the wasting the Territories of the Ro∣man [ VI] Associates, and brought the Engines against Petelia. The Petelians, though few in number, yet stout of heart, bravely resisted him, and the Women assisting (who in courage yielded little to the Men) often sal∣lying, and stoutly fighting burnt his Engines; but at length, being wasted by often skirmishes, and Famine creeping upon them, as soon as Han∣nibal had advice of it, he begirt the City with a circumvallation, and left Hanno to prosecute the Siege. The Townsmens miseries increasing upon them, they thrust out all the croud useless for War, between the Wall and Trench, looking on with stedfast countenances, whilst Hanno caused them to be slain, as envying their better manners of dying; yet almost all the rest fell not long after under the same fate; for being oppressed with ex∣treme want, they made a sally upon the Enemy, where after having per∣formed many noble exploits, not caring to return to the City there to starve, or wanting strength through hunger, they were almost all slain, and Hanno possessed himself of the Town: some of the strongest, who were able to flee, escaped, whom the Romans, when this War was end∣ed, for their singular fidelity and good will towards them, and their in∣credible
Valour, caused to be diligently sought out (being in all about eight hundred) and restored them to their Country. But when the Cel∣tiberian Horse, who were Auxiliaries in Hannibal's Army were observed to fight stoutly. The Roman Generals commanding in Spain, desired of their Subjects a like number of such Horsemen, whom they sent into Ita∣ly to oppose the other. These by reason of the neighbourhood of the Camps, found opportunities of free converse, and every one invited his fellow Citizen or Country man, to come over to them; whence it hap∣pened that part of them fled over to the Romans, and other part slip'd away, so that Hannibal now thinking nothing safe, grew jealous of them, whilst they on the other side grew no less jealous of the fall of the Car∣thaginian Affairs: yet in Arpis, a City of Apulia, built as some say by Diomedes the Argive, one Dasias, reported to be descended from the same Diomede, though but upon uncertain gounds, however no way worthy of so noble a Stock; after that signal slaughter at Cannae, revolted from the Romans to Hannibal, and drew his Country into the same defection; but when, after Hannibal began to grow less successful, coming privately to Rome; and being brought into the Senate, he offered as an amends for his fault, to bring the City again under the Roman Power, he hardly escaped being slain by the Romans, but most certainly they presently cast him out of their City, so that now fearing both them and Hannibal, he wandred like a vagabond about the Country, whilst Hannibal burn'd his Wife and Children alive. The Arpi betrayed by others, were taken by Fabius Maximus, who slaying all the Carthaginians he found, placed there a Garrison. But Tarentum, which was at the same time kept by a Roman Garrison, was by this means betrayed to one Cononeus. This man being much addicted to Hunting, and usually presenting some of his Game to Iunius, Governour of the Garrison, began to grow very familiar with him; but because in a Country not free from War, he pretended it much better for the taking more Game, to go out by night, he brought it to a Custom, that what time of the night he pleased, the Gates were to be opened to him; then meeting with Hannibal, and receiving Soldiers from him (some whereof he hid in a Wood, not far from the Town, others he commanded to follow him at a certain small distance, and others car∣ried with him clad outwardly like Huntsmen, but underneath with Coats of Male and Swords) he came to the Gates, having sent some be∣fore, who carried a huge Bore upon a Pole. The Gates being opened according to Custom, those that entred with him presently slew the Guards, then those that followed presently rushed in, receiving with them their Companions that were in the Wood, then they all broke open the Gates, and let in Hannibal; he being entred, easily possessed himself of all the City; and granting Conditions to the Tarentines, set himself to the besieging of the Cittadel, held out by the Romans. Thus was Tarentum betrayed by Cononeus: but five thousand Romans were still in the Cit∣tadel, and with them a good number of the Tarentines, and to these the Governour of Metapontum, brought half his Soldiers, and a great mul∣titude of Darts, and all manner of Engines, with which they easily drove Hannibal from the Wall: but he abounding in all those things, brought up his Testudo's and Catapultas to the Towers, and shook some of them, and with Hooks fastned to Ropes, pull'd down the Battlements, and laid the Wall naked. The Romans throwing down Stones broke the Engines, and with Nooses pulled away the Hooks, and with frequent Sallies issuing out upon the Enemy, seldom returned without putting them
to disorder, and doing good execution. And when upon a clear day a sudden wind arose, the Romans laying hold upon the opportunity, whilst some of them from the Wall threw Fire-brands, tied about with Flax and Pitch upon the Carthaginian Engines, others made a sally and put Fire under them; so that Hannibal despairing to take it by force, drew Lines of Circumvallation quite round, save only towards the Sea, which was not to be done, so leaving the care of the Siege to Hanno, returned into Apulia. The Port of the Tarentines looks towards the North, if a∣ny sail in by the Isthmus; but they cut off the Isthmus by Bridges, which when the Romans held, they easily had Corn brought to them by Sea, and hindred any from being brought to the Tarentines: so that the Ta∣rentines were reduced to extreme want; wherefore Hannibal at his re∣turn, advised that digging through the publick way, which leads from the Port towards the other Sea to the Southward, they should make a∣nother Isthmus, which being performed, the want of Corn was soon re∣medied, and they with their Brigantines much incommoded the Roman Garrison, who had no Fleet, especially in a smooth Sea, intercepting all Provisions brought to the Romans. The Romans therefore strugling with the want of all necessities, the Thurini sent them by night some Ships laden with Corn, accompained with some Triremes, whom the Taren∣tines, who now were all one with the Carthaginians, having notice of, laid wait for, and took with all their Corn and Men, but they sending often about redeeming the Captives, the Tarentines enticed their Deputies to Hannibals party, so Hannibal released all the Thurini that were taken, who returning home against the will of the rest, opened their Gates to Hanno, so the Thurini endeavouring to preserve Tarentum for the Romans, most imprudently fell themselves under the Carthaginian power. The Garri∣son that was in the City, retreated privately to Brundusium, The Meta∣pontines, after part of their Garrison was drawn off to Tarentum, slaying those few that remained, delivered themselves up to Hannibal; whose ex∣ample, out of fear rather than good will, Heraclea, which is situate be∣tween Metapontum and Tarentum followed; and now Hannibal's Affairs appeared again very glorious. The year following, some Lucanians, who had fallen off from the Romans, Gracchus chastised by War. But one Flac∣cus, a Lucanian of that party, which yet stood for the Romans, a friend and host to Gracchus, proved a Traytor to him. This man perswaded him to come to a certain place, where the Lucanian Pretors (who repenting their fault, desired to be again received into the Roman friendship) would mutually give and receive their Faith, he not imagining any deceit in the matter, followed only with thirty Horse: But when the Numidian Enemy rose and encompassed him about, and Flaccus joyned himself with them▪ Gracchus discovering the Treason, with many others leap'd from their Horses, and bravely fighting in the midst of his Enemies, was with all his men slain. Three only Hannibal could take alive, though he endea∣voured all he could to make the Roman Proconsul his Prisoner; whom though thus basely overcome by treachery, yet admiring him for the ex∣treme valour showed at his death, he honoured with Funeral Rites, and sent his bones to Rome. Thence marching into Apulia, made it his busi∣ness to fetch in Corn from all parts.
But when the Romans had determined to march towards Capua, Hanno [ VII]
being sent before by Hannibal, with a thousand Foot, and as many Horse, he unknown to the Enemy, got into the City; day breaking, when the Romans beheld many of them upon the Walls, and knew the matter, they forthwith drew off their Army from thence, and set themselves to reaping all the Cap••ans, and the rest of the Corn of Campania, which the Cam∣panians being much troubled at, Hannibal sent them word he had Corn enough in Apulia, whither they might send for it, as often as they pleased▪ they sent not only their Men and Cattle, but even their Wives and Chil∣dren to fetch in Corn, fearing no danger in the journey; Hannibal be∣ing upon return out of Apulia into Campania, and lying encamped near the River Alor, not far from the Beneventines, whom only because they continued faithful to the Romans, they were afraid of; but now because of Hannibal's presence they despised. But it happened that about the same time Hannibal being called by Hanno among the Lucanians went thi∣ther, leaving the most troublesome part of his Baggage in the Camp, near Beneventum, with an indifferent Guard, of which the Roman Generals (for they were two, Claudius and Annius) having certain advice, fell up∣on the Campanians, that were gone to fetch Corn, and finding them a dis∣armed and undisciplined multitude, slew many, and gave their Corn to the Beneventines, then plundering Hannibal's Camp took thence all that he had there left. Then the two Roman Generals joyning together, whilst Hannibal staid in Lucania, begirt Capua, with a Trench and a Wall; and drawing other Lines without, pitch'd their Camp between both, raising Bulwarks both towards the City, and towards the Country, to oppose the assaults of the Enemy: so that the face of their Camp was like a great Town, inclosing a little City, and the space between their Lines and the Town, being about two Furlongs like a Theater, where daily Combats were to be seen (the stoutest men on both sides continually challenging and provoking one another) among which, that of Claudius Atellus was very memorable, he was challenged by one Taureas, a Campanian, whom having overcome, the vanquished fled towards the City: Claudius pur∣suing him to the very Walls, not being able to turn his Horse, the Gate standing to receive his Enemy, he was carried in, and running through the whole Town, got out at the other Gate, and came safe to his own party, a strange success of undesigned boldness. Hannibal without do∣ing the business, which he was sent for into Lucania returned to Capua, to undertake the defence of that City, which he knew for so many, and so great things commodious for the Romans, wherefore he assaulted their Works: but when he could by no manner of means prevail to send in any supply of Men, or Provisions into the Town, (for the Siege was so close, that he could neither send in, nor get any intelligence out of the City) he with all his Army marched directly towards Rome, moved thereunto, be∣cause he heard that Famine was in the City, and out of hopes, either to draw the Romans from the Siege of Capua, or act something greater than the relief of that place. Wherefore continuing his March with a great confluence of Warlike People (wherefore some perswaded them∣selves, that for want of strength, they would not so much as stop his pas∣sage; others thought they should not so much as fight for it) he came and encamped by the River Anien within thirty Furlongs of the City. Never was Rome struck with such Fear and Tumult: They wanted all manner of Forces (those they had being in Campania) and unexpectedly a mighty Army was coming towards them, led by a General, whose Valor and For∣tune
made him unconquerable; yet with such Forces as they had, who were able to bear Arms, they set Guards at the Gates: The Old Men leaped up on the Walls, and the Women and Children brought Darts and Stones, great multitudes flocked to them out of the Country, the whole City rung with Howlings, Lamentations, Prayers, and mutual Exhortations, some going out of the City broke down the Bride that was over the Anien. The Romans had built a very little Town among the Aequi and called it Alba, after the name of their Metropolis or mother City; but in Process of time whether by lengthning or corrupting the word, or to distinguish them from the Albans, they were called Albenies, two thou∣sand of these coming to participate in the danger of Rome were presently armed, and placed at the guard of the Gates. So much faith and kind∣ness at that time one only Colony among so many showed towards the Romans, imitating the Example of the Plateans, who with a small Number joyned with the Athenians at the fight at Marathon, that by united force they might repulse the present danger. The Roman General Annius stay'd at Capua not doubting to reduce that City, the other Claudius Flaccus by another way, with incredible expedition came and pitcht his Camp opposite to Hannibal on the other side of the Anien. Who when Hannibal saw the bridge broken down, and found Claudius encamped on the other side, he resolved to march round by the springs of the River, and Claudius likewise thereupon removed his Camp. Here Hannibal made use of his wonted stratagems he left some Horse, who when the Armies were retired, Fording the River wasted the Roman Territory, and when they had terrified the City, according to orders returned to Hanni∣bal. When he had got round the springs, 'tis reported that he came by night with three spies to the City not far distant, and privately taking a view of the site of it, observed the great fear and solitude within the walls, yet after all this he returned to Capua, whether some God or any other acci∣dent at that time averted him, whether he dreaded the Valor and Fortune of the City, or whether (as he used often to say to his Friends exhorting him to the Conquest of it) that he would not ruine it, least when that was done the Carthaginians should take from him the Command, and reduce him to the quality of a private Man; for as for the Claudian Army it was no way to be compared with Hannibal's. Yet Claudius at Hannibal's re∣turn followed him at the heels, thinking he did enough if he hindred him from Forraging, and took care that by Ambushes he did not damnifie him.
Yet Hannibal in a dark and moonless night having discovered the place [ VIII] whither Claudius Army tended, built indeed no wall, but throwing up a trench, and leaving some intervals for Gates, and lastly raising a Rampire (which might serve instead of a Wall) opposite to it, there continued himself, and sending his Horse to a certain eminence fortified by Nature charged them there to stand quiet, and not move from the place till the Romans should possess themselves of that place he hoped they would be∣lieve to be void. Then he gave Command to his Indians that getting upon their Elephants, they should by any means between the intervals or over the Rampire get into Claudius Camp. At a little distance from these he commanded some Trumpets and Cornets to follow, with Orders as they entred to make the greatest noise they could possible, that their Numbers
might seem the greater; sending along with them some that could speak the Latine Tongue, who were to call out aloud to the Soldiers by Claudius Orders to desert their Tents, and escape to the next hill. This stratagem of Hannibal's succeeded at first to his mind, and according as he had de∣signed it, for Elephants trod down the Rampire, and the Trumpets fol∣lowed them, whose noise filling the ears of the Roman▪ Soldiers starting out of their beds in a dark night, and so unexpectedly, struck a mighty terror into them. Besides hearing in the Latine Tongue, Command gi∣ven about possessing the other Hill; they already addressed themselves to flight. But Claudius to whom all Hannibal's devices (as full of deceit and treachery) were suspected, immediately out of his own prudence, or by instinct from some God, or else being by some Captive informed of the whole project, dispatched away the Military Tribunes into the way leading to the hill, to stop such as rushed out, and tell them, that those Orders were Proclaimed not by their Generals Command, but by Hannibal's, and therewithal himself drawing first strong guards to the Rampire, to repulse the Enemy if perhaps any assault should be made, ran through the tents, crying out, that there was no danger, that only a few were broke in with the Elephants, whose small Number indeed when it appeared (for by this time by Claudius command Torches were lighted, and fires blown up) the Romans fear was turned into anger, and falling upon them being but light armed men they easily slew them. As for the Elephants there wan∣ting room to receive them, they ran confusedly among the Tents and Huts, and no Darts (because of the narrowness of the place and the vast∣ness of their bodies being thrown in vain) they were every where wound∣ed till with anguish they grew so enraged, that tumbling down and tread∣ing under foot their riders (for they could not govern nor turn them upon the Enemy) with rage and horrid yellings they broke out of the Camp. Thus Claudius Flaccus by stedfast courage and diligence circumvented Hannibal in an unexpected stratagem, and by defeating him of his pur∣pose both overcame him, and by his prudence preserved his trembling Army. Hannibal failing in this enterprise drew his forces into Lucania to their Winter quarters, where this fierce man never before accustomed to delights gave himself over to Lust and Luxury. By which means by de∣grees, and not long after he brought a strange change upon all his affairs. Claudius returned to his Colleague to Capua, and now both of them strove their utmost to reduce this Town, hoping to force it whilst Hannibal lay quiet in his Winter-quarters. The Campanians in want of all things (for nothing could be brought them from abroad) and ready to perish for hunger yielded themselves up to the Roman Generals. And with them∣selves Hanno and Bostar, who commanded the Carthaginian Garrison with all their Soldiers, and the Romans placing a Garrison in the City, cut off the hands of all the Fugitives they there found, the African Nobility they sent to Rome, the rest they sold. Then turning upon the Campanians, the Authors of the Defection they punished with death, the rest only with fines upon their Lands. The Country of Campania, because a Champian, is very Fertile. Capua thus restored to the Romans, the Carthaginians were deprived of a very considerable place for the conveniency of their af∣fairs in Italy.
Among the Brutians (who are a part of Italy) a Man of the City of [ IX] Sisia, a Man addicted to Hunting, and accustomed to bring part of his game to the Governor of the Punick garrison had so wrought himself into his friendship, that he was in a manner his Consort in Command, who grieved in mind to see the Soldiers insolencies and abuses of his Country∣men, made a contract with the Roman General, to which they both pledged their Faiths, and by degrees brought into the Cittadel as Prisoners many Roman Soldiers, whose Arms himself siesed on as his spoils, when he thought his Number sufficient, he loosed their Bonds, and arming them, overpowring the Punick Garrison, brought in a Roman; but not long after Hannibal passing that way, the Garrison affrighted fled to Rhegi∣nis, the Tisiatae delivered themselves to Hannibal, who burning the chiefs of the Revolts, placed there another garrison. At Salatia in Apulia, which was then under the Punick power, there were two kinsmen, who both for their Riches and Power, might well be esteemed Princes, but between whom there was perpetual discord. Dasius favored the Carthaginian, and Blasi••s the Roman affairs. As long as Hannibal was prosperous Blasius lay still, when the Roman Power by recovery of most part of it's Empire began to revive, Blasius had the confidence to move his Enemy, at least to con∣sent with him for the safety of his Countrey, le••t if the Romans should take the place by storm, he should become engaged in an irrecoverable misfortune. Dasius dissembling a consent betray'd the matter to Hannibal, Hannibal was Arbitrator and Judge, Dasius the accuser. Blasius being guilty had only this one thing to say in his defence, that out of private enmity, he laid false crimes to his charge, and indeed the knowledge that his accuser had long been his enemy, and bore him a secret grudge, procu∣red him the more freedome to argue in his own defence. Hannibal nei∣ther contemning the thing, nor giving too much Credit to an Enemy, Commanded them both to withdraw, as if he would consider of it by him∣self; But the place as they went out being very narrow, and none being nigh enough to bear witness, Blasius thus whipped Dasius. And will not you good man yet save your Country, Dasius crying out immediately, re∣peats it to Hannibal, upon which Blasius making his complaint, Now, now (said he) there is no man but will believe snares laid for my life by the cun∣ning of my Enemy, but this trick of his if I before lay under any suspicion will perfectly clear me of it, for who pray that is not mad would trust such a thing to an Enemy? But you may object, it may be at first I was deceived in him, but I beseech you what man that is brought to his Tryal, and denying the Fact before the Tribunal in the hearing of many, his accuser present who may reveal it will afresh communicate such a thing to him, who has already shewed his mind to be∣tray him? But if he were a faithful friend indeed what help could he bring to me towards the safety of his Country? or why should I implore his help who has no power to give any? These words Blasius pronounced aloud, and as I believe foreseeing the event, and then making way to whisper Dasius in the ear, told him that he would lessen his future Credit and Authority, and so work Hannibal, that he should not believe any crime he objected against him. Nor did Blasius after he was dismissed forbear to ply his ad∣versary in this manner, as a man whom now he contemned, having taken off all belief of what he said. Therefore Dasius at length feigned himself moved by his solicitations with intent to get from him all the manner how he had formed his design which he nothing demurring upon; I will said
he, go to the Roman Camp (which the other knew to be then very remote) and thence receiving some forces from the Praetor, who is my very good friend, bring them hither. Thou shalt work for me here and stay to keep the City, and having thus said presently without Dasius being privy to it he went from the City directly to Rome, and not to the Camp, where leaving his Son for Hostage, and receiving from the Senate a thousand Horse, makes a speedy return, already in his mind presaging the event. Dasius for some days after not seeing his adversary, strait way conjectured that having now his word, he was gone to perfect the business, and whilst he medi∣tated upon the great distance he was to find the Camp at, slowly and se∣curely he goes to Hannibal not doubting but to return time enough to be there before the other. And being come to the speech of Hannibal, Now, said he, whilst he is bringing an Armed Power into the City, I will in the very Action deliver Blasius into thy hands, and so telling the whole matter and receiving some Soldiers from Hannibal, he flies towards his Country which he imagined Blasius could not yet be come nigh to. But he having already slain the Punick Garrison which was but small, took diligent care that none should go out of the City, and shutting all the rest of the Gates, left that only open by which Dasius was to return, he likewise to avoid all suspicion left the Walls every where naked; but the way within was so broken, and block't up with Ditches, that there was no way of breaking out. Dasius coming and finding the Gates open, rejoycing, and thinking he was got thither before his Enemy, entred the City triumphing, but he and all that came in with him being inclosed, and because of the Ditches, having no way of retreat Blasius easily slew them, except only a few that leaping over the Walls escaped. So Blasius catching Dasius in the snare at last overcame him.
Now whilst Fulvius the Roman Consul besieged Herdonia, Hannibal un∣known to him pitcht his Camp close by him, putting out (the better to lie hid) all fires, and Commanding a strict silence through all the Camp. And the morning hapning likewise to be very cloudy, he sent before some Horse to provoke the Romans, they indeed with some trembling at first (as being raised out of their beds) but soon with better confidence (be∣cause they believed them only a few pickt up here and there) repulsed the Enemy, but Hannibal fetching a Compass about the other part of the Town, that he might take a view of it, and put the Townsmen in hopes, at length whether because they had spied him, or else by chance falls in upon the Romans and incloses them. Then set upon on both sides they rush'd on in disorder, so that the Consul Fulvius with eight thousand men were slain, the rest making a speedy retreat within a Trench before their Camp, and bravely fighting preserved both that and their Tents from be∣ing taken by Hannibal. After this whilst the Romans wasted the lands of the Apulians, because they had revolted, Hannibal did the like to the Campanians who were all but the Attellani returned to the Romans obe∣dience whom (because they should not be vexed with the Wars of the Brutii, Lucanians and Apulians) he brought to Thurium, and the Ro∣mans sent the Exiles of Nuceria to inhabit Attella, and with their Army in∣festing Hannibals associates, came to Antonia which they took, and laid wast all the Brutians Fields, and at the same time besieged Tarentum by Sea and Land, which then was kept by a Punick Garrison under Carpalo the Go∣vernor
who because the Carthaginians were few, had taken the Brutians into association with him; the Commander of whose Forces loved a Wench, whose brother was a Soldier among the Romans, who by his sisters means wrought the Brutian officer to betray that part of the Wall he had the Charge of, so the Romans recovered Tarentum a Town very convenient for them both to Sea and Landward. Hannibal made all the hast he could to Tarentum, but on his march having certain intelligence of it's being taken, being much troubled he retreated to Thurium, from whence he went to Venusium, where Claudius Marcellus who had subdued Sicily, now the fifth time Consul, and T. Crispinus had their Camp: yet they forbore fighting. But Marcellus by chance espying a party of Nu∣midians, going out upon the spoil, and thinking them but few, with three hundred Horse securely charged them, being a man of a daring courage, and in all dangers too rashly forward, but when the Africans coming in from all parts fell upon him, the Rear of the Romans first began to fly, but Marcellus who still thought they followed him, fought valiantly till struck through with a Dart he fell▪ his body being brought to Hannibal when he saw it wounded on all sides, he commended him as a Soldier, but much condemned him as a General, but taking off his Ring, he Magnifi∣cently burnt it, and sent the bones to his Son into the Camp. And then before the ••ame of his death should spread too far, being deadly mad with the Salatians he dispatched away a Roman fugitive to Salatia with letters sealed with Marcellus Ring, signifying that Marcellus with his Army was coming thither, and commanding them to open their Gates. The Citi∣zens having a little before received letters from Crispinus (for he sent to all the Cities Messengers to acquaint them that Hannibal had got Marcel∣lus Ring) lest if they stayd the messenger any time they should betray their own Counsels, sent him away with promise to obey the Commands. Mean while arming and disposing themselves upon the Walls, they ex∣pected the issue of the deceit, Hannibal coming with his Numidians wear∣ing Roman Arms, the Port-cullis being drawn up, and the Gate opened, they with great joy and Alacrity received them, as if it had been Mar∣cellus, but when as many were come in as they thought they were hand∣somely able to deal with, they let fall the Port-cullis, and slew all those were got within the City. Hannibal thus frustrated of his hopes at Salatia retreated.
Whilst these things were doing, Asdr••bal brother to Hannibal had [ XI] brought into Italy that mercenary Army leavyed by him in Spain, being in his march kindly received by the Gauls, and in two months passing the Alpes (before laid open by Hannibal, and which he very hardly effected in six) he falls down into Hetruria with thirty eight thousand Foot, eight thousand Horse, and fifteen Elephants; thence he wrote letters to his bro∣ther of his coming, which being intercepted by the Romans, who thereby understood his strength, Salinator and Nero gathering together all the Force they could make, met with him at Siena, he who did not yet design fight∣ing, but to joyn as soon as he could with his brother by night, removes his Camp, and wandring through marshy places, and along the Banks of Rivers that were not fordable, made no great progress. At the break of day the Romans having discovered them, and following hard upon them tyred with labor and watching, many Centuries being drawn up together
in a body, and coming up with them, fell all at once upon Asdrubal's Army, and taking many alive, routed his whole Army (which had it been joyned with Hannibal would have made him appear invincible) thereby freeing Italy from an unexpressible fear and terror. And 'tis my Judg∣ment that Providence thought fit to give the Romans this victory by way of reprizal for the loss sustained at Cannae, for this was equal and parallel to that both in the death of the Commander, and the utter ruine of the whole Army. It hapned likewise that in both many Captives were taken, and the next Morning the Conquerors in both became Masters of the spoil of the vanquished Camp. Of such various fortune▪ sometimes adverse and sometimes prosperous, did the Romans now make experience. The Cel∣tiberians who escaped from the slaughter, returned some of them to their own Country, and some got to Hannibal, who not a little tormented for this loss of his brother, and so great an Army, through too much hast and ignorance of the ways, slighting all the rest that in full fourteen years he had with vast labours been getting in Italy, retreated among the Brutians, who were the only people that continued in association with him, and there quietly expected new recruits from Carthage. And the Carthaginians did send him an hundred Ships laden with Corn, and supplies of Men and Mony, which being conveyed by three hundred Triremes, the Praetor of Sardinia set upon with his Gallies, and sinking sixty, the rest got back to Carthage; From hence the penury of all things in Hannibals Camp much increased, but especially the despair of get∣ting any help from Carthage; And to all these misfortunes this was annexed that Mago, who was sent into Gaul and Liguria to hire Soldiers, sent no aid, but lay idle expecting the Event of things. Wherefore Hanni∣bal plainly foreseeing that he could not long continue in those parts, began to contemn the Brutians themselves, as men that would ere long be stran∣gers to him, and to oppress them with heavier taxes, several towns fortified by nature as if they practised a revolt he forced to remove into the plain, and many persons whose Estates he had a desire to siese upon he condemned upon false accusations.
[ XII] In the mean time there entred into the Consulate Licinius Cras∣sus and P. Scipio, famous for his Conquests in Spain. Crassus went into Apulia against Hannibal. Scipio advised the people that Han∣nibal and the Carthaginians, could not possibly be driven out of Italy, till an Army were transported into Africa, and they ter∣rified with Domestick danger. And assiduously insisting upon it, and daily urging them all to it, he at length got Africa decreed for his province. Then without any delay trasporting his Army into Sicily, when he had spent a little time in Rendevouzing and Ex∣••rcising his Soldiers, he was first carried to Locrisa a City of Ita∣ly (where Hannibal had placed a Punick Garrison) whom having overpowred, leaving Pleminius as his Lieutenant in that City, he passed over into Africa, but Pleminius forbore not to treat the Lo∣crians with all manner of villanous and contumelious usage and cru∣elty, insomuch that he rob'd the very Temple of Proserpine. Wherefore the Romans for these horrible dealings with their Friends and Kindred put him to death in Prison, and confisca∣ting his goods delivered them to the Locrians to be laid up in
the Treasures of the Goddess, and of the Mony taken away by Sa∣criledge they recovered as much as they could, and what remained it pleased them to supply out of the publick Exchequer. At the same time Crassus drew away from Hannibal's party, Consentia a great City of the Brutians and many other Towns; but when at Rome. the dismal prodigies had filled the minds of men with super∣stition, the Decemvirs commanded to bring the Sibyls Books re∣lating that few days before in Pessinuntium a City of Phrygia, where the Mother of the Gods is Worshipped, something was fallen from heaven which should be brought to Rome, and not long after the news of its falling came, and the image of the Goddess was brought to Rome, and on the same day that it happened to come thither was celebrated the Feast of the Mother of the Gods. There is a report that the Ship which brought it struck upon a Shoal in the River Tiber, and that when by no means possible it could be removed, the Southsayers foretold that it would follow, if drawn by a woman that was pure and chast from any strange bed. Claudia Quintia suspected but not guilty of Adultery (but her too loose and free way of living had got her that ill report) first earnestly cal∣ling upon the Goddess to witness her innocency of that crime, and then tying her Girdle to the Ship was followed by the Goddess. So Claudia from an evil fame which she before lay under, got a most glorious name. But before this exploit of Claudia's, the Romans admonished by the Sibyls books, that by the best man of all the City they should send for the image out of Phrygia, presently sent thither a man judged to be the best of those times, Scipio Surna∣med Nasica Son of Cn. Scipio, who died General in Spain, and Cou∣sin Germain to that Scipio, who abating the Carthaginian pride first bore the Surname of African. Thus was the Goddess brought to Rome by the best of Men and Women. But when the Brutians had intelligence that the Carthaginians in Africa had in several Battels been defeated by Scipio, they seemed to be at strife who first should desert Hannibal, and some of them slew the Punick Gar∣risons, and others thrust them out of their Cities. Those who could do neither, privately sent Deputies to Rome, to declare their good Will, though they wanted Power. Hannibal came with his Ar∣my to Petelia, which City was given by him to the Brutians af∣ter having expelled the former inhabitants. When therefore he expostulated with them that they had sent Deputies to Rome, and they earnestly denied it, he seemed to believe them, but that he might prevent any occasion of suspicion, he gave up their Great Men separately into the keeping of his Numidians, and disarm∣ing the Citizens gave their Arms to the Slaves, and to them committed the Charge of the City. Nor did he deal less se∣verely with other Cities to which he went in progress, for the Thu∣rini's goods he exhibited to his Soldiers Rapine, and besides three thousand Citizens whom he knew great lovers of the Carthaginians, and five hundred Country people he carried away, and leaving the City under the guard of the Prefidionary Soldiers, brought them all to Crotona, which because of it's convenient Situation, he chose both for his Granary and Seat of War.
[ XIII] But when by his Citizens (who to hasten him sent for him As∣drubal their Admiral) he was sent for to come home, and bringre∣lief to his Country then in danger by Scipio's many victories, he grie∣vously complained of the Carthaginians, who had always been ingrate∣ful and perfidious to their Generals, as he had sufficiently and for a long time experienced, and because he had given the first beginning to this War in Spain, he began to be apprehensive of himself; Yet he resolved since 'twas fit he obeyed to go, and forthwith caused a great Number of Ships to be built, Italy furnishing him abundantly with all Materials; But before his departure he exposed all the As∣sociate, and subjected Cities, whom now he looked upon as Enemies to the Spoil and Plunder of his Army, that thereby enriching them, he might by their kindness be secure from his Citizens Ca∣lumnies. Yet ashamed himself, against Faith and Equity, to wrong in this manner the Associates, he sent Asdrubal the Admiral under a feigned pretence of visiting the Garrisons to do it, who going into every City and Commanding the Citizens and their Slaves to pack up what they could carry, and march elsewhere, he gave all that remained up to be plundered; Which usage being divulged, many before Asdrubal came to them, rose in Arms against the Garrison Soldiers, and with various fortune, sometimes the Townsmen, some∣times the Soldiers had the better, hence followed mighty slaughters, with the Rapes of Matrons, and Virgins, and other villanies usually committed at the Sack of Towns. As for those Italian Soldiers who had deserved well under him. Hannibal knowing them to be stout and well excercised Men, with magnificent promises tried to draw them over with him into Africa. Such as for any villanies committed were afraid to return into their own Country condemning themselves to voluntary banishment; followed him, but those who had no guilt upon their consciences refused to go. Those therefore who chose rather to stay, then go, having commanded to as∣semble all in one place (as if he either designed to speak to them or to reward them for past services or command them somewhat for the future) he encompassed with his Army, and commanded his men to chuse out among them as many as they listed for Slaves. Some there were that those, others were ashamed to take into such base servitude, those who as fel∣low Soldiers had done so many brave things with them. Those that re∣mained that they might never be useful to the Romans he caused to be thrust through with Darts; Likewise of four thousand Horses and Oxen, no small Number, he caused the throats to be cut, because he had not the Conveniency to carry them into Africa. After which embarking his Army leaving only a few for a show of a Garrison in the Country of the Brutians he stay'd only for a wind; but the Petelini and other Italians rising upon them at their departure slew some and so retreated. Thus Hannibal returning to Africa left Italy, which for sixteen whole years he had wasted, and by a thousand miseries often reduced the desolate in∣habitants to the last Extremities, treating the Roman Subjects and Associ∣ates with all contumelious Cruelty, and for those whose service, not so much out of good will as necessity, he had formerly made use of, now they could yield him no more help or advantage, he treated them likewise as Enemies. Hannibal being gone, the Senate pardoned all those Italian people had revolted to the Carthaginians, granting a perfect act of Obli∣vion
for all things past. But the Brutians because they had continued his ready Associates to the last, they condemned in part of their Land, and took away all their Arms if they had any left after Hannibal's plundring them. All Service in the Militia (as people who had lost their right of Freedom) was likewise forbidden them, and when the Roman Con∣suls went into the Provinces to oversee any publick works, they Com∣manded them to follow them like Servants. This was the Conclusion of Hannibal's Expedition into Italy in the two and fiftieth year of the Punick Wars.
Tuscany.