In 216 BC, Hannibal, with his main army in Capua, was strengthening his position in southern Italy. His forces, bolstered by Samnite allies, numbered around 40,000. His brother Mago was set to increase this with 17,000 Lucanians and Bruttians, aiming for over 18,000 troops. Rome, facing this threat, managed to muster 80,000 soldiers, albeit many inexperienced. Fabius Maximus adopted a strategy to avoid direct conflict, focusing on Rome's recovery. By 215, as the Second Punic War expanded, Hannibal sought more allies and reinforcements. Mago, moving south, took Bruttium, easing African troop transport. He then appealed to Carthage for further support against Rome.