5. The “Delayer”
Fabius realized that Rome had no general at the time – including himself – who was Hannibal’s equal as a battlefield commander. So he adopted an attrition strategy that came to be known as “Fabian”. Fabius shadowed the Carthaginian, refusing to offer pitched battle, and gradually whittled the enemy’s strength with scorched earth tactics, coupled with attacks against his supplies and isolated detachments. That stabilized the situation, but it was resented by many Romans, who began to call Fabius Cunctator, or “Delayer”. It was intended as an insult, with connotations of cowardice. In hindsight, though, it became a badge of honor.
