October 216 BC — the Second Punic War
Chapter III · After Cannae — After Cannae — the great defection of the south.
This month
- Capua opens its gates to Hannibal — The second city of Italy, promised the leadership of the peninsula, receives Hannibal and murders the Romans within its walls. The war has a Campanian capital. (Livy 23.7–10)
- Nuceria and Acerrae destroyed — Two loyal Campanian towns razed as the south chooses sides: Nuceria starved out and burned, Acerrae emptied of its people and burned behind them. (Livy 23.15; 23.17)
Where the commanders stand
- Philip V of Macedon: In Pella · king of macedon
- Mago Barca: In Carthage · since Autumn 216 BC
- Q. Fabius Maximus: In Rome · since Winter 217 BC
- Hannibal Barca: Winter quarters at Capua opens its gates · 216/15
- M. Claudius Marcellus: Winter quarters at Castra Claudiana above Suessula · 216/15
- Publius & Gnaeus Scipio: Encamped at the brothers united · since Autumn 217 BC