In 218 BC Hannibal led an invasion force through Gaul, over the Alps and into Rome. He proved to be a brilliant military commander, defeating the Romans at the Battle of Lake Trasimene and River Trebia. However, his most brilliant victory occured at Cannae, in which eight Roman Legions (approximately 86,000 men) were defeated and slaughtered. Following this, Rome had no force available to defend it. * POINT OF DIVERGENCE