Final answer:
The Battle of Lake Trasimene in 217 BC marked a significant defeat for the Romans and enabled the Carthaginian general, Hannibal, to continue his invasion through Etruria. The battle was part of the larger Second Punic War, during which Hannibal wreaked havoc on Rome. Despite his victories, Hannibal was ultimately recalled to defend Carthage where he was defeated at the Battle of Zama.
Step-by-step explanation:
The battle that took place in 217 BC where the Romans were dealt a crushing defeat and that allowed Hannibal to continue his invasion south through Etruria, was the Battle of Lake Trasimene. This battle was part of the Second Punic War. Hannibal was a Carthaginian general who committed himself to a relentless campaign against Roman forces, causing havoc and terror for over a decade.
He invaded Italy with a large force that included war elephants. Remarkably, his journey to Italy led him across southern Gaul and over the Alps. His tactical brilliance was seen in the battles he won against the Romans, including the ones at Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and Cannae.
Though Hannibal had some significant wins, the Carthaginians were unable to conclusively defeat the Romans. Eventually, Hannibal was called back to Carthage to defend it when the Roman general Publius Cornelius Scipio led an attack there, culminating in the Battle of Zama in 202 BC.
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