"I shall either find a way or make one" - Vol 18 part I
Vol 18 - This week we will start a 2 part series on the Battle of Cannae 216 BC. How can we take these lessons and use them in daily life and business.
안녕하세요, Kia Orana, Welcome
In my newsletter for Vol 9, I discussed the unbelievable expedition of Hannibal and the Carthaginians who in an attempt to destroy the rising Roman Empire marched with elephants from Spain to Italy by going over the Alps during winter. This was a pivotal engagement in the ancient world that would decide who would be the ultimate ruler for centuries to come.
BATTLE OF CANNAE 216 BC
This week I will begin a two-part series that will analyze the background, setting, and main characters. Finally, I will look at the epic battle. What can we learn from this historical event? How can we take those lessons and apply them to our daily lives or business decisions?
There is a famous quote that some attribute to Hannibal. Before embarking on this expedition across the Alps his Generals told him it was impossible. There was no way to take this army and elephants through the snow and over the mountains.
This was his response.
"Aut inveniam viam aut faciam"
“I shall either find a way or make one”
Hannibal
This quote represents the mindset of Hannibal well. Nothing seemed to stop him. I will use this quote in relation to the Battle of Cannae 216 BC, and how we can use it in business and daily life.
THE SETTING
As previously discussed in volume 9. The two great powers of Rome and Carthage clashed in 3 wars known as the Punic Wars from 264 BC to 146 BC. Two great worlds collided. The rising Roman Republic and the major power that controlled Sicily, Spain, and Northern Africa. The great empire of Carthage. The Romans were successful in the first war but it’s the second war with the invasion by Hannibal and his army that is the more well known.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia.
“Always mystify, mislead, and surprise the enemy, if possible;
Sun Tzu
Hannibal used this concept to take it to the Romans by marching through the mountains at great cost. Taking 38,000 infantry, 8,000 cavalry, and 37 African battle elephants to “mystify, mislead, and surprise” the Romans by taking the battle to the heart of the republic. Taking an army up and down the snow-covered Alps on small tracks is one thing. But taking over 8,000 horses and 37 elephants that have no idea what snow or cold is. That’s something else!
Image courtesy of Wikipedia.
THE BACKGROUND
With Hannibal arriving in Italy in 218 BC, the Romans were initially stunned. How did this army come so far and on a path that seemed impossible? The Romans finally decided to get their act together and get rid of this madman that had crossed the Alps with elephants. However, they were smashed at 2 engagements at Trebia (218 BC) and Lake Trasimene (217 BC).
First, at Trebia (218 BC) they were outsmarted by Hannibal and his tactics. Also his ability to utilize his superior cavalry surprised the Romans. There is some debate but maybe half of the 40,000 Roman forces were killed or captured. At Lake Trasimene (217 BC) the Carthaginians managed to kill or capture all 25,000 Romans.
In two years, Hannibal had absolutely smashed the Romans twice. Roman pride was stinging and this invading army was living off the land and gaining allies. It was a matter of time before the Romans decided once and for all to destroy this invader or risk a full takeover by Carthage. In 216 BC the Roman Senate immediately ordered a force of 86,000 men to get rid of these invaders. At the time it was the largest Roman army in history. This force was put under the control of 2 consuls, Lucius Aemilius Paullus and Gaius Terentius Varro.
This decision by the Senate will prove pivotal as this story progresses.
After the 2 massive victories, a number of Alpine Gauls and Northern Italians joined the Carthaginian ranks causing it to swell to over 50,000. As a result, Hannibal had a bigger army than when he arrived. They now had battle experience after engaging the Romans and also fresh recruits. Morale amongst this group must have been very high.
THE PLAYERS
Hannibal - (247 to between 183 and 181 BC) was the famed leader of the Carthaginian army and regarded as one of the greatest generals in history. Born in modern-day Tunisia. His father Hamilcar Barca was a legendary leader and swore his life to the destruction of Rome. There are tales of a nine-year-old Hannibal swearing to the destruction of Rome and wanting to fight. These many tales enhanced his reputation as a determined leader. He became the leader of the military at 26 years of age. Many people know Hannibal’s epic feat of crossing the Alps with an army and elephants to take on the Romans at home. He lost an eye on this journey and his appearance only enhanced his reputation amongst his troops and enemies.
Lucius Aemilius Paullus - Consul of Rome in 2019 BC and 2016 BC. Known as impatient, impetuous, and keen to gain further personal glory.
Gaius Terentius Varro - Son of a butcher and a populist. Very skilled, reserved, and not prone to impulsive displays. His ability to rise from the lower classes to Consul of Rome is in itself an amazing feat. However, he is more well known for his sharing of leadership with Consul Lucius Aemilius Paullus against Hannibal.
Hanno - Nephew of Hannibal and a general in the Carthaginian army.
Hasdrubal - A cavalry commander in the Carthaginian army.
In the next edition, I will discuss events leading up to the battle, and how the battle unfolded. Decisions made led to devastating results. Also, what are the lessons for daily life and business?
This week’s recommendations
1) This week I have 2 new language expressions for followers of this newsletter. How do we say food in Korean and Cook Island Maori?
How do you say food in Korean?
음식 - (Um - Shik)
How do you say food in Cook Islands Maori?
Kai - (K-eye)
Feel free to engage in the conversation below
1) Are you familiar with this battle?
“Feed your focus, starve your distractions.”