# Fabius Maximus — Discourses on Livy character guide

> Fabius Maximus in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Fabius, Maximus

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Snapshot

Rome's cautious dictator, whose delaying strategy against Hannibal becomes Machiavelli's case study in how prudence and patience can outlast audacity.

## Who they are

Fabius represents the disciplined restraint that Machiavelli admires in captains who understand when not to fight. His presence in the Discourses anchors the argument that a well-ordered republic produces leaders capable of subordinating personal glory to public survival. The tension he embodies—between boldness and caution, between the desire for decisive victory and the wisdom of attrition—runs through Machiavelli's reflections on military and political judgment.

## Relationships

### [Hannibal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/hannibal)

_rivalry_

Fabius Maximus used delaying tactics (Fabian strategy) to wear down Hannibal, representing cautious attrition against aggressive invasion.

### [Decius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/decius)

_friendship_

Decius Mus and Fabius Maximus were Roman consuls and allies, with Decius performing devotio (self-sacrifice) in battle under Fabius's command.

## In the story

### [Discourses on Livy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/discourses-on-livy)

Fabius Maximus is cited for his cautious strategy against Hannibal, exemplifying prudent leadership in times of crisis.

### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/liii)

Cited as a leader whose cautious strategy against Hannibal was unpopular with the people, who saw it as base; his prudence saved the army after Varro's rash battle.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxiv)

Roman general who recovered Tarentum using a fortress, though Machiavelli argues the outcome would have been the same without it.

### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxix)

Mentioned as one of the Fabii sent as envoys to the Gauls, whose misconduct stirred up war.

### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxiii)

Consul who defeated the Etruscans near Sutrium and advanced through the Ciminian forest without consulting the senate.

### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/book-iii)

Exemplifies cautious strategy and the importance of adapting to circumstances.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/ix)

Exemplifies cautious, prudent command suited to the early war with Hannibal; opposed Scipio's African invasion due to inability to change methods.

### [That a captain cannot escape battle when his enemy forces it on him at all risks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/x)

Cited as the model of prudent delay, but Machiavelli clarifies that Fabius did not avoid battle—he chose advantageous ground where Hannibal dared not attack.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xv)

Not directly mentioned, but the principle of unified command echoes his cautious strategy.

### [Chapter XXXIII: That to insure victory in battle you must inspire your men with confidence in one another and in you](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxiii)

Noted for his device of inspiring confidence in his army before entering Etruria by hinting at undisclosed favorable circumstances.

### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxiv)

During the Second Punic War, he spoke against the popular candidate Titus Ottacilius for the consulship, pointing out his insufficiency and preventing his appointment.

### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xl)

Mentioned as the Roman commander from whom Hannibal escaped by using fraud.

### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xlv)

Roman consul who reserved his forces for a final effort, waiting for the enemy's energy to spend itself, and achieved an unexampled victory.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/fabius_maximus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters