18. The Dictator Who Perfected Delay Tactics and Gave Them His Name
Fabius realized that Rome had no general at the time, including himself, who was Hannibal’s equal as a battlefield commander. So instead of marching out to meet Hannibal and offer him battle, he adopted delaying tactics and an attrition strategy that came to be known as “Fabian”.
Fabius shadowed the Carthaginian army, refusing to offer pitched battle. He gradually whittled his 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 other Romans who took to calling Fabius Cunctator, or “Delayer”. It was meant as an insult, but it eventually became a badge of honor.
