Battle of Nola

The First Battle of Nola was fought in 216 BC between the forces of Hannibal and a Roman force led by Marcus Claudius Marcellus. Hannibal was attempting to seize the town of Nola: He failed to do so, and would make two more unsuccessful attempts on the city over the next two years.

Hannibal moved to capture the city of Nola due to some leaders in the city offering to open their gates to him. A Roman force under the command of Marcellus arrived before Hannibal and was able to enter the city. Hannibal camped near the city, and daily skirmishes would happen between the two armies. Marcellus learned that the only support he enjoyed was the senators in the city. Marcellus took action to prevent betrayal by undermining the pro-Hannibal faction in the city. Marcellus learned that some leaders in the city had been conspiring with Hannibal. Marcellus learned that should he make any sortie from the town or draw up for battle outside, they planned on plundering the baggage and closing the gates upon him. After this, Marcellus decided his situation was not sustainable.

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