Roman Generals > Publius Terentius Varro

Publius Terentius Varro

Background

Publius Terentius Varro, more commonly known as Gaius Terentius Varro, was a Roman consul and military commander notable for his role in the Second Punic War. He is best remembered for his involvement in the catastrophic Battle of Cannae, one of the most significant battles in ancient military history.

Early Life and Background

Birth: The exact birth date of Gaius Terentius Varro is not well-documented, but he was active during the late 3rd century BCE.
Family: Varro came from a plebeian family, which was relatively uncommon for Roman consuls at the time, who were typically from patrician backgrounds. His rise to the consulship is a testament to his abilities and the support he garnered from the Roman populace.

Political and Military Career

Consulship (216 BCE)

Election as Consul: Varro was elected consul in 216 BCE alongside Lucius Aemilius Paullus. Their consulship occurred during one of the most critical periods of the Second Punic War, as Rome faced the formidable Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca.
Command: Varro and Paullus were given joint command of the Roman army to confront Hannibal, who had invaded Italy and inflicted several defeats on the Romans.

The Battle of Cannae (216 BCE)

Context: The Battle of Cannae took place on August 2, 216 BCE, in Apulia, southeastern Italy. Hannibal had already demonstrated his tactical genius in previous battles, and Rome was desperate to deliver a decisive blow to stop his advance.
Roman Strategy: Varro was eager for a direct and decisive confrontation with Hannibal. He advocated for an aggressive attack, intending to use the sheer size of the Roman forces to crush the Carthaginian army. In contrast, Paullus favored a more cautious approach.
Deployment: Varro and Paullus commanded an enormous Roman force, estimated to be between 50,000 and 86,000 men. They arranged their troops in a traditional formation, with the infantry massed densely in the center and the cavalry on the flanks.

The Battle

Hannibal's Tactics: Hannibal employed a double envelopment tactic, a maneuver that became one of the most famous in military history. He deliberately weakened his center to draw the Romans in, while his strong cavalry forces defeated the Roman cavalry on the flanks.
Encirclement: As the Roman infantry advanced and pressed against Hannibal's center, the Carthaginian cavalry, having routed the Roman cavalry, attacked the Roman rear and flanks. The Roman army was surrounded and annihilated.
Casualties: The Roman losses were staggering, with estimates of up to 50,000-70,000 Roman soldiers killed. It was one of the worst defeats in Roman history and had a profound impact on Roman military strategy and morale.

Aftermath and Legacy

Escape: Varro survived the battle and managed to escape to Venusia with a small contingent of troops. Despite the disaster, he was not punished by the Roman Senate, which appreciated his loyalty and courage in returning to Rome to face the consequences.
Public Reaction: The Roman Senate's reaction to the defeat at Cannae was notable for its pragmatism. Rather than seeking to blame Varro alone, they recognized the collective responsibility and the need for unity in the face of a formidable enemy.
Later Career: Varro continued to serve Rome in various capacities after Cannae, though his later career is less well-documented. His survival and continued service demonstrated Roman resilience and the ability to recover from even the most devastating setbacks.

Historical Perspective

Military Leadership: Varro's aggressive tactics at Cannae, while ultimately disastrous, were driven by a desire to achieve a decisive victory against Hannibal. The defeat underscored the dangers of underestimating an opponent like Hannibal and highlighted the importance of adaptable and flexible military strategies.
Symbol of Roman Determination: Despite his role in the defeat, Varro's escape and subsequent actions embodied Roman determination and the resolve to continue the fight against Carthage.

Gaius Terentius Varro's legacy is intricately tied to the Battle of Cannae. His willingness to confront Hannibal head-on, albeit with catastrophic results, played a significant role in shaping Roman military tactics and strategies in the subsequent years of the Second Punic War. His career reflects the broader themes of Roman resilience and the ability to learn and adapt in the face of adversity.