Hannibal Ambush Romans at Lake Trasimene
In the midst of the Second Punic War, Carthage under Hannibal had invaded Italy after crossing the Alps the previous year, scoring a victory at the Trebia. Roman forces were divided, with Consul Gaius Flaminius commanding an army in Etruria. On June 21, 217 BCE, Hannibal set a trap along the foggy northern shore of Lake Trasimene, concealing his troops on the surrounding hills. As the Romans marched into the narrow pass in pursuit, the Carthaginians attacked from three sides in a devastating ambush. Flaminius was killed, and nearly the entire Roman force of about 25,000 was destroyed or captured within hours, marking one of the largest ambushes in military history. This catastrophe prompted Rome to appoint Quintus Fabius Maximus...