chambers_search-1

Search Chambers

Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.

Fabius, Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus, also called Cunctator ('Delayer') d.203BC
Roman soldier

He was five times consul and twice censor. In the Second Punic War (218-202BC) he was elected dictator (217) after the Roman defeat at Lake Trasimene, and became known by his defensive tactics as Cunctator ('Delayer'). Avoiding direct encounters, he carried on guerrilla warfare and allowed Rome to muster her forces. The derisive nickname took on an honourable connotation after the disastrous Roman defeat at Cannae (216), and the 'Fabian' tactics were resumed. He recovered Tarentum in 209 and was made consul for the fifth time. He died just before the successful conclusion of the war.