Thus the Roman historian tells the panic reaction experienced by the city to the progress of Hannibal in the Italian peninsula: " In Rome, the first news of these defeats, the people, overcome with terror, tumultuously assembled in the Forum. The women ran through the streets asking those who were about ruor that had spread over the fate of the army. The crowd, as numerous as in the general asmablea, had gone to the polls and the curia, calling the judges. Finally, shortly before sundown, the praetor M. Pomponio presented himself and said "We have lost a great battle." No one knew what could expect or what I had to fear. The next morning, and many days after a crowd, especially women, are stationed at the gates of the city waiting for a relative or news of their own, crowded around as they arrived, asking about what happened and if they were acquaintances, not let them until they had mentioned the disaster in detail. Then you could see in his face away from those very different expressions, as they had received good or bad noticcias, and returned home surrounded by friends who congratulated or consoled. Women, especially, were giving vent to their pain or their joy, having seen one of them on his son unexpectedly, that died on the spot at the gates of his house, and another, whom he had given false news of his death, seeing him return safe and sound, died Because of the intensity of his joy. For many days the magistrates were kept together in the Senate from sunrise to sunset to discuss the general and troops that could oppose the victorious Carthaginians ... "
And that was when he was given dictatorial powers to Fifth Fabius Maximus, the man who had declared war against the Carthaginian Senate. His plan was to disturb the Carthaginians without the face, to the maximum interfere operations, but without a fight in the open. The Romans, who wanted nothing more than destroy your enemy, did not understand the tactics dictated by Quintus Fabius, are so desperate, in fact, was their only hope to stop Hannibal. Fabio received from his fellow citizens the offensive nickname "Cunctator", ie "undecided." Fabio
But, aware of the superiority of the Carthaginian cavalry, did not change in tactics even though he was criticized. What he wanted was to prolong the war, Hannibal wear down and demoralize their mercenaries against an enemy that would not be seen. And managed to avoid further disasters. When they reach six months of dictatorial rule, Fabio returned control to the consuls and retired. In the elections of 216 were elected Lucio Emilio Paulo and bow Terentius Varro. Fabio tactics and they forgot everything has changed ...
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