Over the centuries the Roman army became renowned for its superior grasp of logistics. Its use of supply lines was highly developed - the troops carried what they needed with them and foraged for the rest as they marched. It was during the Second Punic War that supply lines became the crux of Roman strategy, however. Hannibal, although decimating any Roman force he encountered in pitched battle, was marching deep into enemy territory with only the most tenuous line of supply back to Iberia. On the other hand, Rome was able to create a network that kept its Legions supplied whilst denying Hannibal that same luxury.
