Hannibal

Hannibal was a Carthaginian general and statesman who commanded the forces of Carthage in their battle against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War in the 2nd century BC

Hannibal lived during a period of great tension in the Mediterranean , triggered by the emergence of the Roman Republic as a great power with its defeat of Carthage in the First Punic War.

Hannibal is considered one of the greatest military tacticians and generals of Western antiquity, alongside Alexander the Great, Cyrus the Great,Julius Caesar, Scipio Africanus, and Pyrrhus. Reportedly asked “who the greatest general was”, Hannibal replied “either Alexander or Pyrrhus, then myself”.

In 218 BC, Hannibal famously invaded Italy by crossing the Alpswith North African war elephants. In his first few years in Italy, as the leader of a Carthaginian and partially Celtic army, he won a succession of victories inflicting heavy losses on the Romans.

Hannibal was distinguished for his ability to determine both his and his opponent’s respective strengths and weaknesses, and to plan battles accordingly. His well-planned strategies allowed him to conquer and ally with several Italian cities that were previously allied to Rome. Hannibal occupied most of southern Italy for 15 years.

Hannibal was eventually defeated at the Battle of Zama, which ensured a Roman victory.

After the war, Hannibal successfully ran for the office but fled into voluntary exile after becoming unpopular due to the cost of reparations demanded by Rome.

During this time, he lived in Turkey and Armenia acting as a military advisor at the Seleucid court. He was betrayed to the Romans and committed suicide by poisoning himself.

The Carthaginian Empire , centred in modern day Tunisia which he had once led would soon be obliterated by thx Roman Empire.

Destination – North Africa and Middle East, Italy, Spain, France, Greece