http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabius_Maximus
So, in the Second Punic War, the Roman strategy is usually described as avoiding Hannibal in open battle, and wearing him down, while striking where he wasn't. Thats all due to Fabius Maximus.
Of course, there's little glory in this strategy, and when Fabius' term as dictator ran out, the consuls immeadiately took over, and promptly got themselves defeated at Cannae. People had taken to insutling Fabius, calling him the "Delayer." After Cannae, this became an honorific, as everyone realized that Fabius had been right. The Fabian strategy (employed by Washington) is named after him.
So, what if, the Romans are a bit more intelligent, and don't abandon the Fabian strategy? They continue to sap at Hannibal, with no major battles for either side. This strategy might actually allow for Scipio (or maybe Fabius?) to attack Carthage itself earlier, as the Romans wouldn't have suffered the horrid losses at Cannae.
So, in the Second Punic War, the Roman strategy is usually described as avoiding Hannibal in open battle, and wearing him down, while striking where he wasn't. Thats all due to Fabius Maximus.
Of course, there's little glory in this strategy, and when Fabius' term as dictator ran out, the consuls immeadiately took over, and promptly got themselves defeated at Cannae. People had taken to insutling Fabius, calling him the "Delayer." After Cannae, this became an honorific, as everyone realized that Fabius had been right. The Fabian strategy (employed by Washington) is named after him.
So, what if, the Romans are a bit more intelligent, and don't abandon the Fabian strategy? They continue to sap at Hannibal, with no major battles for either side. This strategy might actually allow for Scipio (or maybe Fabius?) to attack Carthage itself earlier, as the Romans wouldn't have suffered the horrid losses at Cannae.