Archival Overview
Supreme commander of Hannibal's elite Numidian and Iberian cavalry, whose tactical genius at Lake Trasimene and Cannae crushed Roman legions, famous for urging an immediate march on Rome.
Biographical Record
Maharbal (c. 240–200 BCE) was Hannibal's most daring and aggressive cavalry lieutenant during the Second Punic War. At the Battle of Lake Trasimene (217 BCE), Maharbal pursued and captured 6,000 retreating Roman soldiers who had broken through the Carthaginian encirclement.
At the Battle of Cannae (216 BCE), Maharbal commanded the Carthaginian right flank of Numidian light cavalry, tying down the Roman allied horse before joining Hasdrubal's heavy cavalry to deliver the lethal hammer-and-anvil strike from the rear. After the victory, Maharbal famously urged an immediate march on Rome: 'You know how to win a victory, Hannibal, but you do not know how to use it!'
Key Life Milestones
Pursuit at Lake Trasimene
Tracked down and captured the Roman vanguard following the catastrophic ambush at Lake Trasimene.
The Decisive Flank at Cannae
Led the cavalry maneuver that sealed the double envelopment of 80,000 Roman legionnaires.
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialTunis, Tunisia