9. The Role of Cavalry
Hannibal’s cavalry, especially the agile Numidian horsemen, played a critical role in the outcome at Cannae. Their speed and skill allowed them to swiftly rout the Roman cavalry and then attack the Roman infantry from behind. In stark contrast, the Roman horsemen were outmatched and quickly driven from the field. This decisive use of cavalry to envelop the enemy’s flanks became a model for later battles.
