Hydarnes the Elder vs Maharbal

Hydarnes was one of the seven Persian nobles who conspired to overthrow Gaumata, the Magian usurper who had seized the throne after Cambyses II's death. He participated in the assassination of Gaumata, paving the way for Darius I to become king.

Darius I appointed Hydarnes as governor of the central satrapies of the Achaemenid Empire, a region encompassing Media and surrounding territories. He administered this key area, ensuring loyalty and collecting tribute for the crown.

Hydarnes commanded the elite Persian infantry unit known as the Immortals during the Second Persian invasion of Greece. He led them at the Battle of Thermopylae, where they outflanked the Greek position via the Anopaia path, leading to the Greek defeat.

Maharbal commanded the Numidian cavalry on the right wing at the Battle of Cannae. His cavalry routed the Roman allied cavalry and then pursued them, preventing them from reforming. This contributed to Hannibal's encirclement and destruction of the Roman army.

After the Roman defeat at Cannae, Maharbal led a force to capture the Roman camp. He secured the camp and its supplies, completing the Carthaginian victory and preventing Roman survivors from regrouping.

After Cannae, Maharbal urged Hannibal to march on Rome immediately, reportedly saying he would feast in the Capitol within five days. Hannibal refused, a decision Maharbal criticized. This moment became famous as a missed opportunity to end the war.

Maharbal led Carthaginian forces to capture the city of Casilinum in Campania. The city fell after a siege, and Maharbal's forces secured the area for Hannibal's campaign in southern Italy.