Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus

Influential Roman general, famed for the 'Fabian Strategy' against Hannibal.

Chronology: Unknown – -203

Origins & Early Life

Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus (), surnamed Cunctator (c. 280 – 203 BC), was a Roman statesman and general of the third century BC. He was consul five times (233, 228, 215, 214, and 209 BC) and was appointed dictator in 221 and 217 BC. He was censor in 230 BC.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His agnomen, Cunctator, usually translated as "the delayer", refers to the strategy that he employed against Hannibal's forces during the Second Punic War. Facing an outstanding commander with then-superior numbers, he pursued a strategy of targeting the enemy's supply lines and accepting only smaller engagements on favourable ground, rather than risking his entire army on direct confrontation with Hannibal himself. Fabius' actions were among the earlier examples of guerrilla warfare. == Beginnings == Born at Rome c. 280 BC, Fabius was a descendant of the ancient patrician Fabia gens.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He was the son or grandson of Quintus Fabius Maximus Gurges, three times consul and princeps senatus, and grandson or great-grandson of Quintus Fabius Maximus Rullianus, a hero of the Samnite Wars, who like Verrucosus held five consulships, as well as the offices of dictator and censor. Many earlier ancestors had also been consuls. His cognomen...

Source: Wikipedia