CANNÆ, in Ancient Geography, a town of Apulia, near the Adriatic, on the right bank of the river Aufidus, 6 miles from its mouth. It is famous for a terrible overthrow which the Romans here received from the Carthaginians under Hannibal. See ROME. A great diversity of opinion has always prevailed as to the exact spot on which the battle was fought. The majority of modern historians and topographers, however, now agree in referring it to the south side of the river; but Swinburne, one of the best authorities on the subject, concluded from personal observation and a careful comparison of authorities that the scene of conflict lay on the northern bank; and in this opinion he is supported by Niebuhr. The modern village of Canne, 8 miles W.S.W. of Barletta, now occupies the site of this interesting town.