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Document Details : Title: Polybius, Livy and the 'Fabian Strategy' Author(s): ERDKAMP, P. Journal: Ancient Society Volume: 23 Date: 1992 Pages: 127-147 DOI: 10.2143/AS.23.0.2005877 Abstract : A comparison of the accounts in Polybius and Livy of the actual warfare during the Second Punic War up until Cannae presents serious discrepancies. It will be shown in this paper that the accounts are not compatible and that Polybius is to be preferred, while some major elements of the account by Livy must be rejected. These elements, stressing the successes of Roman warfare and of the strategy of Fabius Maximus Cunctator in particular, have never been criticized structurally and play a major role in modern accounts of the war. It is hoped that the discussion of both accounts will provide a new understanding of the military and political course of events during the period. |
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