Battle of Herdonia (212 BC)

{{Infobox Military Conflict |conflict=Battle of Herdonia |partof=the Second Punic War |image=Image:Battles second punic war.png |caption= |date=212 BC |place=Herdonia (modern Ordonia, Foggia), Italy |casus= |territory= |result=Carthaginian victory |combatant1=Carthage |combatant2=Roman Republic |commander1=Hannibal |commander2=Gnaeus Fulvius |strength1=Around 20,000-30,000 |strength2=18,000 |casualties1=Minor |casualties2=16,000 }}

Second Punic War
Ticinus – Trebia – Lake Trasimene – Cannae – 1st Nola – 2nd Nola – 3rd Nola – 1st Capua – Silarus – 1st Herdonia – Upper Baetis – 2nd Capua – 2nd Herdonia – Numistro – Asculum – Baecula – Grumentum – Metaurus – Ilipa – Crotona – Bagbrades – Zama

The first Battle of Herdonia was fought in 212 BC during the Second Punic War between Hannibal's Carthaginian army and Roman forces led by Praetor Gnaeus Fulvius. Fulvius was unaware of Hannibal's presence until he was within the immediate era of Herdonia. Fulvius is said to have become careless from his easy successes and weighted down with plunder. Fulvius was accepted battle on Hannibal's offer at the behest of his extremely eager soldiers. Hannibal deployed his force on the plain outside of his camp, while sending about a thousand light infantry to his extreme left flank to effect a surprise attack from the woodlands and farms located in that direction. Hannibal also sent out 2,000 Numidians to take control of the roads in the rear of Fulvius' army. Hannibal's army overwhelmed the Romans almost at once. Fulvius fled almost immediately as Hannibal's attacks came from in front, behind and to both sides. Roughly 2,000 Romans are said to have survived the battle.

See also

• Second Battle of Herdonia (210 BC)