In the first years of the Second Punic War, the Romans fought Hannibal on three occasions: Trebbia in November 218, Lake Trasimene in June 217, and Cannae in August 216. All were disasters for Rome. In each case Hannibal used topography, the element of surprise, and speed to defeat his enemy. The Romans were unprepared to fight a superior tactician and in at least the first two cases vastly underestimated their adversary.
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