People: Hannibal of Carthage and the Second Punic War (roman-empire.net)

Hannibal Barca was the son of Hamilcar Barca - and brother-in-law to Hasdrubal the Elder.

He was born in 246 BC and succeeded Hasdrubal the Elder as commander in chief of the Carthaginian military in 221 BC.

He was born in 246 BC and succeeded Hasdrubal the Elder as commander in chief of the Carthaginian military in 221 BC.

If Hamilcar Barca had been a hardy, able general and Hasdrubal the Elder had been a gifted politician, then Hannibal's great ability was that of leading and inspiring soldiers.

If Hamilcar Barca had been a hardy, able general and Hasdrubal the Elder had been a gifted politician, then Hannibal's great ability was that of leading and inspiring soldiers.

If Hamilcar Barca had been a hardy, able general and Hasdrubal the Elder had been a gifted politician, then Hannibal's great ability was that of leading and inspiring soldiers.

If Hamilcar Barca had been a hardy, able general and Hasdrubal the Elder had been a gifted politician, then Hannibal's great ability was that of leading and inspiring soldiers.

If Hamilcar Barca had been a hardy, able general and Hasdrubal the Elder had been a gifted politician, then Hannibal's great ability was that of leading and inspiring soldiers.

If he was as determined and able as his father, it was this ability of leadership which made him one of the great commanders of history.

If he was as determined and able as his father, it was this ability of leadership which made him one of the great commanders of history.

And yet Hannibal's education played a great role in his later achievements.

And yet Hannibal's education played a great role in his later achievements.

And yet Hannibal's education played a great role in his later achievements.

Trained by a Greek tutor called Sosylus, he had been given a full training in the art of warfare comparable to that of an Alexander.

Trained by a Greek tutor called Sosylus, he had been given a full training in the art of warfare comparable to that of an Alexander.

Trained by a Greek tutor called Sosylus, he had been given a full training in the art of warfare comparable to that of an Alexander.

Together with his two younger brothers, Hasdrubal and Mago, he should set out to shake the Roman empire to its very foundations.

Together with his two younger brothers, Hasdrubal and Mago, he should set out to shake the Roman empire to its very foundations.

Spain to him was a mere stepping stone toward seeking Carthaginian revenge from Rome.

However, Rome's army was the most formidable force in the Mediterranean.

A large standing army was backed up by a vast number of reserves of Italian allies which could be called up if necessary.

A large standing army was backed up by a vast number of reserves of Italian allies which could be called up if necessary.

A large standing army was backed up by a vast number of reserves of Italian allies which could be called up if necessary.

More so, with the loss of Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia, Carthage possessed no significant naval bases close to Italy anymore.

More so, with the loss of Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia, Carthage possessed no significant naval bases close to Italy anymore.

More so, with the loss of Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia, Carthage possessed no significant naval bases close to Italy anymore.

A naval campaign against Rome would be very hard, if not impossible to accomplish.

A naval campaign against Rome would be very hard, if not impossible to accomplish.

The Gauls however had proved in their recent wars with Rome that the Romans were indeed vulnerable to an attack from across the Alps.

The Gauls however had proved in their recent wars with Rome that the Romans were indeed vulnerable to an attack from across the Alps.

The Gauls however had proved in their recent wars with Rome that the Romans were indeed vulnerable to an attack from across the Alps.

And the Gauls, so Hannibal thought, could provide the vast numbers of warriors against Rome's massive armies.

And the Gauls, so Hannibal thought, could provide the vast numbers of warriors against Rome's massive armies.

And the Gauls, so Hannibal thought, could provide the vast numbers of warriors against Rome's massive armies.

Also the rivalries of various regions and cities with Rome suggested that there might well be uprisings against the ruling power for Hannibal to count on, once he weakened her sufficiently.

Also the rivalries of various regions and cities with Rome suggested that there might well be uprisings against the ruling power for Hannibal to count on, once he weakened her sufficiently.

Also the rivalries of various regions and cities with Rome suggested that there might well be uprisings against the ruling power for Hannibal to count on, once he weakened her sufficiently.

Also the rivalries of various regions and cities with Rome suggested that there might well be uprisings against the ruling power for Hannibal to count on, once he weakened her sufficiently.

The Roman treaty with the small city of Saguntum in Spain was a disaster waiting to happen.

The Roman treaty with the small city of Saguntum in Spain was a disaster waiting to happen.

It was obvious as Hannibal's first target and the most immediate reason for a war between the two great powers.

It was obvious as Hannibal's first target and the most immediate reason for a war between the two great powers.

There is little doubt that Hannibal would have attacked it anyway, but an earlier revolt in 222 BC by some of the people of Saguntum against the alliance with Rome, which had been crushed with the help of Roman troops, provided him with the excuse to seek to 'liberate' the city.

There is little doubt that Hannibal would have attacked it anyway, but an earlier revolt in 222 BC by some of the people of Saguntum against the alliance with Rome, which had been crushed with the help of Roman troops, provided him with the excuse to seek to 'liberate' the city.

There is little doubt that Hannibal would have attacked it anyway, but an earlier revolt in 222 BC by some of the people of Saguntum against the alliance with Rome, which had been crushed with the help of Roman troops, provided him with the excuse to seek to 'liberate' the city.

There is little doubt that Hannibal would have attacked it anyway, but an earlier revolt in 222 BC by some of the people of Saguntum against the alliance with Rome, which had been crushed with the help of Roman troops, provided him with the excuse to seek to 'liberate' the city.

There is little doubt that Hannibal would have attacked it anyway, but an earlier revolt in 222 BC by some of the people of Saguntum against the alliance with Rome, which had been crushed with the help of Roman troops, provided him with the excuse to seek to 'liberate' the city.

There is little doubt that Hannibal would have attacked it anyway, but an earlier revolt in 222 BC by some of the people of Saguntum against the alliance with Rome, which had been crushed with the help of Roman troops, provided him with the excuse to seek to 'liberate' the city.

As commander in chief of the Spanish tribes (just as his predecessor Hasdrubal the Elder had been) he could claim to be obliged to come to the aid of the Turboletae.

As commander in chief of the Spanish tribes (just as his predecessor Hasdrubal the Elder had been) he could claim to be obliged to come to the aid of the Turboletae.

As commander in chief of the Spanish tribes (just as his predecessor Hasdrubal the Elder had been) he could claim to be obliged to come to the aid of the Turboletae.

As commander in chief of the Spanish tribes (just as his predecessor Hasdrubal the Elder had been) he could claim to be obliged to come to the aid of the Turboletae.

His troops set out in 219 BC and began a siege of Saguntum which should last for eight months.

It was a long, hard siege and - much to Hannibal's disgrace - at the capture of the city his troops slaughtered the population.

It was a long, hard siege and - much to Hannibal's disgrace - at the capture of the city his troops slaughtered the population.

It was a long, hard siege and - much to Hannibal's disgrace - at the capture of the city his troops slaughtered the population.

It was a long, hard siege and - much to Hannibal's disgrace - at the capture of the city his troops slaughtered the population.

For one there were some among the senators who quite agreed with Carthage's explanations put forward for Hannibal's attack.

For one there were some among the senators who quite agreed with Carthage's explanations put forward for Hannibal's attack.

But by 218 BC sufficient anger had grown over the loss of her ally to Hannibal's attack and Rome sent her delegates to Carthage.

But by 218 BC sufficient anger had grown over the loss of her ally to Hannibal's attack and Rome sent her delegates to Carthage.

When the Roman envoys arrived, their message to Carthage was simple - 'Peace or war, as you choose.'

When the Roman envoys arrived, their message to Carthage was simple - 'Peace or war, as you choose.'

When the Roman envoys arrived, their message to Carthage was simple - 'Peace or war, as you choose.'

Hannibal invades Italy

Was it Rome who declared war, it was Hannibal who should make the first move.

North of the river Iberus the Spanish tribes though were allied to Rome and put up a determined struggle.

Yet Hannibal pressed on, fighting his way through hostile territory.

Yet Hannibal pressed on, fighting his way through hostile territory.

To everyone's surprise he didn't seek to besiege cities such as Emporiae but instead just kept on moving, driving on into Gallic territory.

To everyone's surprise he didn't seek to besiege cities such as Emporiae but instead just kept on moving, driving on into Gallic territory.

Diplomacy over previous years seemed to have paved the way for such peaceful relations with these southern Celts.

Diplomacy over previous years seemed to have paved the way for such peaceful relations with these southern Celts.

Diplomacy over previous years seemed to have paved the way for such peaceful relations with these southern Celts.

Diplomacy over previous years seemed to have paved the way for such peaceful relations with these southern Celts.

The toll this took on his forces was tremendous, leaving him eventually with only 20'000 infantry, 6 thousand cavalry and 3 elephants by the time he had descended from the mountains into northern Italy.

The toll this took on his forces was tremendous, leaving him eventually with only 20'000 infantry, 6 thousand cavalry and 3 elephants by the time he had descended from the mountains into northern Italy.

The toll this took on his forces was tremendous, leaving him eventually with only 20'000 infantry, 6 thousand cavalry and 3 elephants by the time he had descended from the mountains into northern Italy.

The toll this took on his forces was tremendous, leaving him eventually with only 20'000 infantry, 6 thousand cavalry and 3 elephants by the time he had descended from the mountains into northern Italy.

The toll this took on his forces was tremendous, leaving him eventually with only 20'000 infantry, 6 thousand cavalry and 3 elephants by the time he had descended from the mountains into northern Italy.

Yet it had achieved what he had set out to do.

In the December of 218 BC Hannibal should then deliver the first major blow to Rome, when he defeated a massive Roman army at the river Trebia.

In the December of 218 BC Hannibal should then deliver the first major blow to Rome, when he defeated a massive Roman army at the river Trebia.

In the December of 218 BC Hannibal should then deliver the first major blow to Rome, when he defeated a massive Roman army at the river Trebia.

In the winter of 218-17 BC he lost an eye, while suffering through the freezing cold of the Po valley.

In the winter of 218-17 BC he lost an eye, while suffering through the freezing cold of the Po valley.

It was to be the reason for Roman propaganda henceforth often referring to him as 'the Cyclops'.

In June 217 BC he won another decisive victory over Rome at Lake Trasimene.

In June 217 BC he won another decisive victory over Rome at Lake Trasimene.

Though if Carthage was advancing into Italy, she was suffering setbacks on other fronts.

Then in the summer of 217 BC, a fleet under Gnaeus Scipio at the mouth of the Iberus river captured a supply fleet for the army of Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal the Younger, which was marching north along the coast.

Then in the summer of 217 BC, a fleet under Gnaeus Scipio at the mouth of the Iberus river captured a supply fleet for the army of Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal the Younger, which was marching north along the coast.

Such victories, although minor in nature, proved that Hannibal was effectively cut off from the outside world.

Such victories, although minor in nature, proved that Hannibal was effectively cut off from the outside world.

Had the Battle of Trasimene killed one consul, Flaminius, it had separated the other, Servilius, from the city of Rome, with Hannibal's army between the two.

Had the Battle of Trasimene killed one consul, Flaminius, it had separated the other, Servilius, from the city of Rome, with Hannibal's army between the two.

Had the Battle of Trasimene killed one consul, Flaminius, it had separated the other, Servilius, from the city of Rome, with Hannibal's army between the two.

Rome now elected Fabius Maximus to be dictator and to organise the defence against the invader.

Rome now elected Fabius Maximus to be dictator and to organise the defence against the invader.

Fabius recruited new soldiers, prepared the siege against siege.

His measures were not spectacular, yet they were effective.

His measures were not spectacular, yet they were effective.

His measures were not spectacular, yet they were effective.

Hannibal did not attempt an assault on Rome of any sort and moved south to Campania, a affluent and fertile region of Roman Italy, with the wealthy trading centre of Capua its greatest prize.

Hannibal did not attempt an assault on Rome of any sort and moved south to Campania, a affluent and fertile region of Roman Italy, with the wealthy trading centre of Capua its greatest prize.

Hannibal did not attempt an assault on Rome of any sort and moved south to Campania, a affluent and fertile region of Roman Italy, with the wealthy trading centre of Capua its greatest prize.

Hannibal did not attempt an assault on Rome of any sort and moved south to Campania, a affluent and fertile region of Roman Italy, with the wealthy trading centre of Capua its greatest prize.

Hannibal did not attempt an assault on Rome of any sort and moved south to Campania, a affluent and fertile region of Roman Italy, with the wealthy trading centre of Capua its greatest prize.

Hannibal did not attempt an assault on Rome of any sort and moved south to Campania, a affluent and fertile region of Roman Italy, with the wealthy trading centre of Capua its greatest prize.

Instead he contented himself with reinforcing the garrisons of the Campanian towns and with harassing the enemy wherever possible.

Instead he contented himself with reinforcing the garrisons of the Campanian towns and with harassing the enemy wherever possible.

Instead he contented himself with reinforcing the garrisons of the Campanian towns and with harassing the enemy wherever possible.

Instead he contented himself with reinforcing the garrisons of the Campanian towns and with harassing the enemy wherever possible.

Instead he contented himself with reinforcing the garrisons of the Campanian towns and with harassing the enemy wherever possible.

Hannibal found himself neutralized by a foe who avoided fighting him and who instead contented himself with nullifying any advantage he sought to achieve.

Hannibal found himself neutralized by a foe who avoided fighting him and who instead contented himself with nullifying any advantage he sought to achieve.

Hannibal found himself neutralized by a foe who avoided fighting him and who instead contented himself with nullifying any advantage he sought to achieve.

Hannibal found himself neutralized by a foe who avoided fighting him and who instead contented himself with nullifying any advantage he sought to achieve.

Frustrated by this stalemate he withdrew across the Apennine mountains to the region of Apulia to spend the winter of 217-216 BC there.

Frustrated by this stalemate he withdrew across the Apennine mountains to the region of Apulia to spend the winter of 217-216 BC there.

Frustrated by this stalemate he withdrew across the Apennine mountains to the region of Apulia to spend the winter of 217-216 BC there.

Given the dire straits Rome had been in, when he taken up the office of dictator, Fabius has been very successful.

Given the dire straits Rome had been in, when he taken up the office of dictator, Fabius has been very successful.

Given the dire straits Rome had been in, when he taken up the office of dictator, Fabius has been very successful.

Yet his achievements compared unfavourably in Roman eyes to the deeds of the Scipios in Spain.

Yet his achievements compared unfavourably in Roman eyes to the deeds of the Scipios in Spain.

Immediately they decreed a mass mobilization and sought to bring the war to a speedy conclusion, rather than playing at Fabius' tactical games.

Immediately they decreed a mass mobilization and sought to bring the war to a speedy conclusion, rather than playing at Fabius' tactical games.

Immediately they decreed a mass mobilization and sought to bring the war to a speedy conclusion, rather than playing at Fabius' tactical games.

Immediately they decreed a mass mobilization and sought to bring the war to a speedy conclusion, rather than playing at Fabius' tactical games.

No fewer than eight legions were raised, twice the force of Hannibal's army.

No fewer than eight legions were raised, twice the force of Hannibal's army.

On 2nd August 216 BC the waiting was over.

Hannibal won a glorious victory, completely defeating Rome's massive army in one of the most famous battles in military history.

Hannibal won a glorious victory, completely defeating Rome's massive army in one of the most famous battles in military history.

If one considers the losses she had suffered at the battles of Trebia, Trasimene and Cannae, once can easily deduct that nearly a third of her overall army had been destroyed.

If one considers the losses she had suffered at the battles of Trebia, Trasimene and Cannae, once can easily deduct that nearly a third of her overall army had been destroyed.

If one considers the losses she had suffered at the battles of Trebia, Trasimene and Cannae, once can easily deduct that nearly a third of her overall army had been destroyed.

If one considers the losses she had suffered at the battles of Trebia, Trasimene and Cannae, once can easily deduct that nearly a third of her overall army had been destroyed.

Worse still, among these losses were the battle-hardened veterans of the legions.

Her forces critically weakened, a invincible enemy in her very homeland, Rome seemed doomed.

Her forces critically weakened, a invincible enemy in her very homeland, Rome seemed doomed.

The large, powerful cities, or other well defended strongpoints held out, but much of the land had come over to Hannibal.

Naples and Nola successfully resisted Hannibal's attempts, but the great general will no doubt have retired to Capua for the winter of 216-15 BC in high spirits.

Naples and Nola successfully resisted Hannibal's attempts, but the great general will no doubt have retired to Capua for the winter of 216-15 BC in high spirits.

Naples and Nola successfully resisted Hannibal's attempts, but the great general will no doubt have retired to Capua for the winter of 216-15 BC in high spirits.

Hannibal had reason to be optimistic.

And the following year would deepen Rome's crises even further.

Mago arrived in Spain bringing reinforcements to deal with the Scipios and the Spanish tribes.

The army of Roman general Postumius, 25'000 strong, was annihilated in a campaign against the Gauls of northern Italy, who were allied with Hannibal.

And once more Fabius opted for a very steady, careful tactic of frustrating the enemy in a game of chess without ever allowing for a battle against the Carthaginian military genius.

And once more Fabius opted for a very steady, careful tactic of frustrating the enemy in a game of chess without ever allowing for a battle against the Carthaginian military genius.

And once more Fabius opted for a very steady, careful tactic of frustrating the enemy in a game of chess without ever allowing for a battle against the Carthaginian military genius.

And once more Fabius opted for a very steady, careful tactic of frustrating the enemy in a game of chess without ever allowing for a battle against the Carthaginian military genius.

And once more Fabius opted for a very steady, careful tactic of frustrating the enemy in a game of chess without ever allowing for a battle against the Carthaginian military genius.

And once more Fabius opted for a very steady, careful tactic of frustrating the enemy in a game of chess without ever allowing for a battle against the Carthaginian military genius.

He continued to pour efforts into defences rather than into great armies which might do battle with Hannibal.

It now also showed for the first time how Rome itself had become an industrial and commercial force of its own.

It now also showed for the first time how Rome itself had become an industrial and commercial force of its own.

Had it in the past depended on the financial might of Capua, then her loss to Hannibal now would have proven fatal.

Had it in the past depended on the financial might of Capua, then her loss to Hannibal now would have proven fatal.

Had it in the past depended on the financial might of Capua, then her loss to Hannibal now would have proven fatal.

But now Rome's own merchant class could help support the Roman war machine.

Rome even introduced a new currency, the denarius amid all this turmoil (211 BC), to further emphasize its new role as a financial centre.

Rome even introduced a new currency, the denarius amid all this turmoil (211 BC), to further emphasize its new role as a financial centre.

Rome even introduced a new currency, the denarius amid all this turmoil (211 BC), to further emphasize its new role as a financial centre.

Rome even introduced a new currency, the denarius amid all this turmoil (211 BC), to further emphasize its new role as a financial centre.

The navy in particular benefited from the money's of Roman trade.

The navy in particular benefited from the money's of Roman trade.

With Carthage's navy at sea again and Macedon's fleet entering the fray, Rome's dominance at sea was challenged.

With Carthage's navy at sea again and Macedon's fleet entering the fray, Rome's dominance at sea was challenged.

With Carthage's navy at sea again and Macedon's fleet entering the fray, Rome's dominance at sea was challenged.

And it was at sea and in Spain that Rome was still finding hope in some successes.

The Carthaginian admiral Bomilcar achieved virtually nothing.

A strong Roman fleet in the Adriatic rendered Macedon a virtually useless ally to Hannibal's army in Italy.

A strong Roman fleet in the Adriatic rendered Macedon a virtually useless ally to Hannibal's army in Italy.

For two years Hannibal tried to overcome the stalemate in Italy.

And so virtually nothing was achieved despite all the promise the victory at Cannae had held.

By 214 BC even Saguntum, the very cause for the outbreak of war, had been conquered by the Scipios.

Without access to the Bay of Naples the great prize of Capua was virtually useless.

And the Carthaginian fleet, more than anything else needed a port on Italian soil to help supply and reinforce Hannibal's army.

Capua was left to fend for itself, having to face a Roman enemy bent on revenge for its treachery.

The Roman commander of the citadel, M. Livius, refused to surrender and continued to hold out.

The Roman commander of the citadel, M. Livius, refused to surrender and continued to hold out.

The Roman commander of the citadel, M. Livius, refused to surrender and continued to hold out.

But the fortunes of war were now clearly turning.

The brothers Scipio were rampant in Spain, Marcellus counter-attacked in Sicily and laid siege to Syracuse.

If at first Rome sent a new army under the commander Claudius Nero, he struggled to gain authority over the remaining veterans of the Spanish campaigns who still held loyal to the Scipios.

If at first Rome sent a new army under the commander Claudius Nero, he struggled to gain authority over the remaining veterans of the Spanish campaigns who still held loyal to the Scipios.

If at first Rome sent a new army under the commander Claudius Nero, he struggled to gain authority over the remaining veterans of the Spanish campaigns who still held loyal to the Scipios.

If at first Rome sent a new army under the commander Claudius Nero, he struggled to gain authority over the remaining veterans of the Spanish campaigns who still held loyal to the Scipios.

It was an appointment which should prove decisive in the war.

In 209 BC Scipio pounced on Carthago Nova in a surprise attack by land and sea and conquered it.

Its loss meant an immediate drop in prestige in Spain for the Africans.

But more so, Scipio found in the city the Spanish hostages which assured the loyalty of the Iberian tribes to Carthage.

But more so, Scipio found in the city the Spanish hostages which assured the loyalty of the Iberian tribes to Carthage.

But more so, Scipio found in the city the Spanish hostages which assured the loyalty of the Iberian tribes to Carthage.

As he released them he gained their loyalty with one stroke.

As he released them he gained their loyalty with one stroke.

The tribes now even granted him the title of King which they had earlier affirmed to Hasdrubal and Hannibal.

The tribes now even granted him the title of King which they had earlier affirmed to Hasdrubal and Hannibal.

But Carthage and the Barcids were not yet finished.

One of the three Carthaginian armies in Spain, commanded by Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal the Younger, now made a bold move, marching north, it crossed the Pyrenees into Gaul where he spent the winter of 208-07 BC before crossing the Alps into Italy.

One of the three Carthaginian armies in Spain, commanded by Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal the Younger, now made a bold move, marching north, it crossed the Pyrenees into Gaul where he spent the winter of 208-07 BC before crossing the Alps into Italy.

Rome itself was weary of war.

The Etruscans in particular were keen on rebellion.

The Etruscans in particular were keen on rebellion.

Had the tide been in Rome's favour against Hannibal, the sudden arrival of his brother Hasdrubal meant the possible collapse of Roman power altogether.

Had the tide been in Rome's favour against Hannibal, the sudden arrival of his brother Hasdrubal meant the possible collapse of Roman power altogether.

His forces were close to Hannibal, meanwhile those of his consular colleague, Livius Salinator, were barring the way of Hasdrubal the Younger, as he ventured further into Italy.

His forces were close to Hannibal, meanwhile those of his consular colleague, Livius Salinator, were barring the way of Hasdrubal the Younger, as he ventured further into Italy.

His forces were close to Hannibal, meanwhile those of his consular colleague, Livius Salinator, were barring the way of Hasdrubal the Younger, as he ventured further into Italy.

Then in 206 BC Scipio won the Battle of Ilipa, which meant that his conquest of Spain was complete.

Then in 206 BC Scipio won the Battle of Ilipa, which meant that his conquest of Spain was complete.

In 204 BC he led an invasion force from Sicily to North Africa and landed at Utica.

His principle ally was the Numidian King Syphax.

King Syphax however fled to Cirta.

In a shrewd move, Scipio now detached a third of his army and sent it in aid of Masinissa, a challenger to Syphax' throne who had so far been forced to live as an outlaw in the mountains.

In a shrewd move, Scipio now detached a third of his army and sent it in aid of Masinissa, a challenger to Syphax' throne who had so far been forced to live as an outlaw in the mountains.

In a shrewd move, Scipio now detached a third of his army and sent it in aid of Masinissa, a challenger to Syphax' throne who had so far been forced to live as an outlaw in the mountains.

Scipio, seeking to end the war, now opened negotiations with Carthage.

His aim was to gain control of Masinissa's Numidian territory, thereby restoring the Numidians back to Carthage and turning the tables on Scipio.

His aim was to gain control of Masinissa's Numidian territory, thereby restoring the Numidians back to Carthage and turning the tables on Scipio.

His aim was to gain control of Masinissa's Numidian territory, thereby restoring the Numidians back to Carthage and turning the tables on Scipio.

With his victory at Zama, Scipio's triumph was complete.

Carthage would have to renounce any claim to territories outside of Africa.

In Africa she could keep all, but for the territories of Masinissa, who would be granted independence.

Carthage's navy would be allowed to be no larger than twenty ships and she would have to pay Rome reparations of 5000 talents.

Carthage's navy would be allowed to be no larger than twenty ships and she would have to pay Rome reparations of 5000 talents.

With the end of the Second Punic War, Carthage lost its status as a great military power.

It was now effectively a Roman client kingdom.

Hannibal, after an initial period which remains somewhat unclear, found himself pretty much in control of affairs in Carthage.

Hannibal, after an initial period which remains somewhat unclear, found himself pretty much in control of affairs in Carthage.

Hannibal, after an initial period which remains somewhat unclear, found himself pretty much in control of affairs in Carthage.

The aristocracy was corrupt and largely discredited, many of Carthage's natural leaders had found their deaths in the war.

The aristocracy was corrupt and largely discredited, many of Carthage's natural leaders had found their deaths in the war.

The aristocracy was corrupt and largely discredited, many of Carthage's natural leaders had found their deaths in the war.

What exactly enabled Hannibal to wage any sort of power in these days immediately following the war, is unknown.

It seems however likely that Hannibal would hold great influence over the army, even though he was no longer its official commander.

It seems however likely that Hannibal would hold great influence over the army, even though he was no longer its official commander.

In 196 BC Hannibal was elected as one of the two leaders (suffetes) of Carthage by the People's Assembly together with another man, who seems to have been either his ally or his puppet.

He now set about continuing the reforms of his father, assuring that all magistrates would be appointed by democratic means.

He now set about continuing the reforms of his father, assuring that all magistrates would be appointed by democratic means.

He now set about continuing the reforms of his father, assuring that all magistrates would be appointed by democratic means.

He now set about continuing the reforms of his father, assuring that all magistrates would be appointed by democratic means.

He now set about continuing the reforms of his father, assuring that all magistrates would be appointed by democratic means.

In particular the finances and some of the law courts had so far remained in the hands of the aristocracy.

In particular the finances and some of the law courts had so far remained in the hands of the aristocracy.

The Council of 104 was abolished.

The Council of 104 was abolished.

Having wrestled control from the aristocrats Hannibal then commissioned an inquiry into the financial history of previous years.

Having wrestled control from the aristocrats Hannibal then commissioned an inquiry into the financial history of previous years.

The inquiry, rightly or wrongly, produced evidence illustrating corruption and incompetence on a large scale.

The inquiry, rightly or wrongly, produced evidence illustrating corruption and incompetence on a large scale.

The inquiry, rightly or wrongly, produced evidence illustrating corruption and incompetence on a large scale.

The inquiry, rightly or wrongly, produced evidence illustrating corruption and incompetence on a large scale.

The inquiry, rightly or wrongly, produced evidence illustrating corruption and incompetence on a large scale.

The aristocrats were forced to pay back the money they were alleged to have either stolen or squandered.

The aristocrats were forced to pay back the money they were alleged to have either stolen or squandered.

Naturally, this will have been the financial ruin of most of them and will have rid Hannibal of his main political enemies.

Naturally, this will have been the financial ruin of most of them and will have rid Hannibal of his main political enemies.

Meanwhile in the east Antiochus III, King of Seleucia, had conquered from Egypt the territory of Coele Syria which contained the Phoenician homeland.

Was Antiochus hostile toward Rome, the links with Tyre assured him friendly relations with Carthage.

The disgraced aristocrats of Carthage now appealed to Rome, alleging that Hannibal was plotting against Rome together with King Antiochus.

The disgraced aristocrats of Carthage now appealed to Rome, alleging that Hannibal was plotting against Rome together with King Antiochus.

The disgraced aristocrats of Carthage now appealed to Rome, alleging that Hannibal was plotting against Rome together with King Antiochus.

If this was actually true or not, is unknown.

The Senate, however, appeared all too willing to believe that the hated Hannibal was concocting some devious plan against them.

The Senate, however, appeared all too willing to believe that the hated Hannibal was concocting some devious plan against them.

The Senate, however, appeared all too willing to believe that the hated Hannibal was concocting some devious plan against them.

Scipio himself spoke, urging them to disbelieve Carthaginian traitors and respect the independence they had assured Carthage of.

Scipio himself spoke, urging them to disbelieve Carthaginian traitors and respect the independence they had assured Carthage of.

Scipio himself spoke, urging them to disbelieve Carthaginian traitors and respect the independence they had assured Carthage of.

Alas, it was agreed to send three senators - under the guise as negotiators in territorial disputes between Carthage and Numidia - to Carthage where they were to arrange for the Hannibal to be ousted from power (195 BC).

Alas, it was agreed to send three senators - under the guise as negotiators in territorial disputes between Carthage and Numidia - to Carthage where they were to arrange for the Hannibal to be ousted from power (195 BC).

Alas, it was agreed to send three senators - under the guise as negotiators in territorial disputes between Carthage and Numidia - to Carthage where they were to arrange for the Hannibal to be ousted from power (195 BC).

Alas, it was agreed to send three senators - under the guise as negotiators in territorial disputes between Carthage and Numidia - to Carthage where they were to arrange for the Hannibal to be ousted from power (195 BC).

Alas, it was agreed to send three senators - under the guise as negotiators in territorial disputes between Carthage and Numidia - to Carthage where they were to arrange for the Hannibal to be ousted from power (195 BC).

Hannibal, however, suspected much more serious intent.

Hannibal, however, suspected much more serious intent.

Hannibal, however, suspected much more serious intent.

He fled to Tyre where he was welcomed as a military advisor to King Antiochus III.

He ended up at the court of King Prusias of Bithynia, who enjoyed the services of his military expertise for a while, before agreeing to hand him over to the Romans.

He ended up at the court of King Prusias of Bithynia, who enjoyed the services of his military expertise for a while, before agreeing to hand him over to the Romans.

He ended up at the court of King Prusias of Bithynia, who enjoyed the services of his military expertise for a while, before agreeing to hand him over to the Romans.

Before he could be apprehended, Hannibal committed suicide by taking poison (183/182 BC).

Before he could be apprehended, Hannibal committed suicide by taking poison (183/182 BC).