Battle of Herdonia (210 BC)

Second Battle of Herdonia
	Part of the Second Punic War
Date	210 BC
Location	Herdonia (modern Ordona, Foggia), Italy
Result	Carthaginian victory
Belligerents
Carthage	Roman Republic
Commanders and leaders
Hannibal	Fulvius Centumalus†
Strength
30,000	20,000
Casualties and losses
Minor	7,000-13,000 Killed 3,000-7,000 Captured

The Second Battle of Herdonia of the Second Punic War, was fought in 210 BC between Hannibal's army and the Roman forces of Fulvius Centumalus. Sometimes cited as a confusion on the part of Livy as it was the second such battle that involved the City of Herdonia and a Roman general named Fulvius.

Hannibal arrived in the hills outside of Herdonia after a series of rapid marches, hearing reports that Fulvius was conducting negotiations with the town. He quickly deployed before Fulvius was aware of his arrival. After Fulvius formed in front of him Hannibal deployed his Numidians against the Roman left while his heavy cavalry attacked the rear and camp area. This movement was coupled by a determined frontal attack by Hannibal's infantry.

After initially holding against the attacks, Rome's lines became confused and demoralized eventually attempting to flee. Fulvius' army was surrounded and defeated, leaving 11 tribunes, upwards of 17,000 men casualties and the commander Fulvius Centumalus dead on the field. Hannibal subsequently destroyed Herdonia for its disloyalty.

See also