The Road to Perdition

Abstract

AbstractIn his second consulship in 217 bc, C. Flaminius resumed his public rejection of the auspices by taking office on March 15 at Ariminum instead of Rome, thus bypassing the validation of his auspices (only possible in Rome) as well as the ceremonies of departure (profectio) deemed ritually necessary to exercise imperium in the military sphere. Close examination of Polybios’ narrative corroborates rather than contradicts Livy’s account, as does investigation of Hannibal’s movements in the spring of 217. In the days leading up to the Battle at Lake Trasumene, Flaminius ignored a series of auspical signs of varying significance. His continued contempt for auspices does not, however, allow a determination whether he intended to engage Hannibal in battle, or merely to shadow him.