June 217 BC — the Second Punic War
Chapter II · Italy invaded — Italy invaded — the Po valley rises for Hannibal.
This month
- Ambush at Lake Trasimene — In the morning mist between the hills and the lake, Flaminius’ whole army is caught in column and destroyed in three hours; the consul dies with fifteen thousand of his men. Rome names a dictator. (Polybius 3.83–85; Livy 22.4–7)
- Servilius' cavalry destroyed — Maharbal wipes out four thousand horse sent ahead by the other consul, days after Trasimene. (Polybius 3.86; Livy 22.8)
- RAPHIA — Ptolemy defeats Antiochus — The largest battle since Alexander; the armed Egyptian phalanx will remember its strength. (Polybius 5.79–86)
Where the commanders stand
- Philip V of Macedon: In Pella · king of macedon
- Q. Fabius Maximus: In Rome · dictator
- Hannibal Barca: Encamped at Ambush at Lake Trasimene · since Summer 217 BC
- Publius & Gnaeus Scipio: Encamped at Naval battle of the Ebro · since Spring 217 BC