November 216 BC — the Second Punic War
Chapter III · After Cannae — After Cannae — the great defection of the south.
This month
- Siege of Casilinum begins — A garrison of Praenestines and Perusines holds the Volturnus crossing against Hannibal through the winter, eating leather, mice and roots floated down the river in jars from Fabius’ camp. (Livy 23.17–19)
- Apulia goes over — Arpi, Salapia, Herdonia — In the autumn after Cannae the Apulian towns nearest the field follow the Campanians and open their gates. (Livy 22.61)
- Litana — a Roman army swallowed by the forest — The Boii fell sawn trees onto Postumius’ column; twenty-five thousand die, and the praetor’s skull becomes a temple cup. (Livy 23.24)
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