The Battle of Cannae marked Hannibal’s greatest victory during the Second Punic War, inflicting a catastrophic defeat upon the Roman army. Estimates suggest around 80,000 Roman soldiers were killed in the battle, representing a massive loss for the Republic. This decisive victory allowed Hannibal to control much of southern Italy for over a decade. The battle is renowned for Hannibal's tactical brilliance, utilizing a double-envelopment strategy to surround and annihilate the larger Roman force. Cannae remains a studied example of military tactics, demonstrating the power of maneuverability and exploiting enemy weaknesses. The scale of the defeat caused widespread panic in Rome and nearly led to the city’s surrender, though ultimately Rome persevered. This battle represents one of the most significant and devastating military losses in Roman history.