The Roman force becomes preoccupied with Carthaginian cavalry while infantry advances behind it. That divided attention leaves one unit surrounded while cavalry shifts toward another target and foot soldiers keep the hastati occupied. Mobility and simultaneous threats deny the Roman heavy infantry the direct fight it wants. One arm fixes the opponent while another attacks from a more favorable direction.
Notable Point · 3:02:30-3:03:42
Infantry fixes the enemy while cavalry turns the flank
Infantry pressure and cavalry movement overload the Roman commander's attention instead of contesting hastati head-on.