Capua
War: Punic War, Second


Date: 212 b.c. - 211 b.c.
Location: Spain
Outcome: Roman victory

Principal
Commanders: Carthaginian: Hannibal

Overview: By 212 the Romans were ready to begin a siege of Capua. In 211 Hannibal was obliged to march to relieve the Roman siege of Capua. Hannibal made a surprise march on Rome in order to draw away the besieging army from Capua. He camped directly outside the Colline Gate of Rome, but the armies had rebuilt it and he was rebuffed by the fortifications. After a few days he marched away, hoping to catch the army coming from Capua.

The move failed. The Romans had not given up the siege and the town soon capitulated. Fifty-three Capuan senators who supported Hannibal (and who did not commit suicide) were executed after bringing out 2,070 pounds of gold and 31,200 pounds of silver. The rest of the Capuans were sold into slavery, as Rome took over the government of the city. The town's land was confiscated and it was now ruled directly by a magistrate ("praefect") appointed by the urban praetor in Rome.