Placentia, the Romans stationed troops to guard the two highways
leading north from Rome and ending at Arretium and Ariminum, The
Consuls for this year were GAIUS FLAMINIUS and GNAEUS SERVILIUS. The
former occupied Arretium, the latter Ariminum. Here they were joined
by the troops that had wintered at Placentia.

In the spring, Hannibal, instead of attempting to pursue his march by
either of the highways which were fortified, outflanked the Romans by
turning aside into Etruria. His route led through a marshy and
unhealthy country, and many soldiers perished. Hannibal himself lost
an eye from ophthalmia. When he had arrived at Faesulae a report of
his course first reached Flaminius, who at once broke camp and
endeavored to intercept his enemy. Hannibal, however, had the start,
and was now near LAKE TRASIMÉNUS.

Here was a pass with a high hill on one side and the lake on the
other. Hannibal, with the flower of his infantry, occupied the hill.
His light-armed troops and horsemen were drawn up in concealment on
either side.

The Roman column advanced (May, 217), without hesitation, to the
unoccupied pass, the thick morning mist completely concealing the
position of the enemy. As the Roman vanguard approached the hill,
Hannibal gave the signal for attack. The cavalry closed up the
entrance to the pass, and at the same time the mist rolled away,
revealing the Carthaginian arms on the right and left. It was not a
battle, but a mere rout. The main body of the Romans was cut to
pieces, with scarcely any resistance, and the Consul himself was
killed. Fifteen thousand Romans fell, and as many more were captured.
The loss of the Carthaginians was but 1,500, and was confined mostly