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Saira Delgado
Bergen, Downer, Ibrahim
English 10-3, Latin 2-4, History M/W/F
9 November 2010
Hannibal: Hero of the Second Punic War
Many acknowledge Hannibal as one of the most brilliant military generals in the history
of the world; yet very few people know about Hannibal’s personality and how it affected his
strategy. Hannibal not only showed great courage as a military general in the Second Punic War,
but he showed determination to beat the odds against him, win the war, and become a hero in the
eyes of many. His daring character and lack of fear of the Romans influenced his decisions
during the Second Punic War. Hannibal’s wise decisions led to his being immortalized in history.
The use of military strategy, logic, and reason during war and battle can greatly influence
the results of it. Seeing everything through the eyes of the enemy was a skill vital to win the war.
Hannibal’s use of military strategy knowledge was vital to his victories in the Second Punic War.
By numbers alone, the Romans could have crushed the small Carthaginian army. However,
Hannibal prevailed and left behind a legacy of determination and strength in the military.
Through Hannibal’s immense logic and analysis of his enemies, “the astonishing feat had
been performed of causing the Roman centre to envelop itself with a force little more than half
its numbers!” (Baker 137). At the Battle of Cannae in 216 BCE, Hannibal fought with the
Roman consuls Varro and Paulus, who were said to have prepared eight legions of Romans. This
was twice the strength of a regular Roman army and was about 87,200 men strong, while
Hannibal only had between 35,000 and 50,000 men. To win this battle, Hannibal had no choice
but to attempt to outsmart the great Roman army. Sensing confusion between the two consuls,
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Hannibal launched his strategic plan involving the Numidians distracting Varro from the main
attack, and using a crescent shape to commence his attack. As the Carthaginians encircled the
Romans from the flanks, Varro’s men attempted to flee, but could not escape Hannibal and
Hasdrubal (Baker 136). Hannibal’s victory at Cannae was a great feat for him and had a positive
impact on his reputation. Hannibal’s legacy in the military was one of determination, leaving
behind a reputation of brilliance and predicting enemies’ movements, exemplified well at
Cannae. This achievement helped him in his quest to defeat the Romans. Richard Holmes said,
“Amongst generals, Napoleon compared him to Frederick the Great and Alexander, and
Montgomery wrote of his ‘tactical’ genius, while amongst historians Theodor Mommsen called
him ‘a military genius of heroic status’ and John Keegan saw him as a commander ‘of
outstanding ability’” (Peddie xi). Hannibal’s tactics and strategies helped him win many battles
against the Roman army, once thought to be invincible. Hannibal’s determination led to him
overcoming the odds of defeating the greatest power in the Mediterranean.
Hannibal’s increasing confidence in his men and his strategies led him to a victory not
only at Cannae, but at other locations as well. His personal faith in himself and his soldiers was
affected by these actions. Hannibal’s distinguishing actions that create his legacy also influenced
his beliefs. Hannibal’s belief was that no matter what he faced, he could still be victorious. His
heroic actions made him believe he was a war hero, contrary to Romans’ beliefs. However, his
actions can still be used as a role model for military commanders today.
By using his logic and analysis to his advantage, Hannibal was able to defeat a Roman
army far greater in number than his own. His strategy was able to overcome the advantage Varro
and Paulus had in sheer number. Hannibal’s great military legacy had begun to develop after his
defeats of the Roman army in battle. His strategies can be referenced often by military generals
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of later times. Hannibal’s military career left behind many legacies that influenced other leaders
and inspired new strategies centuries after his time. Hannibal’s leadership and tenacity is a good
determinant of the Hannibalic War.
Hannibal had many reasons for fighting the Second Punic War. He gave up his time with
family and friends to lead the Carthaginian army into battle with the Romans. His pride for his
country was too great for him to accept the lead for the Roman army. Hannibal even refused
Rome’s offer to lead the great Roman army. Hannibal also lost his father Hamilcar and his
brother-in-law Hasdrubal to the angers of war. This can also serve as a personal motivation to
seek revenge on the Romans. Whatever the reason, Hannibal was able to find the drive to help in
defending Carthage.
Hannibal’s obligation to lead the defense of his homeland was too great a force for him to
ignore. When Hannibal refused to lead the Roman army, Rome was determined to defeat him,
but he was ready for this intense battle. Hannibal’s purpose was as such: “From the very first day
of his command Hannibal acted as if he had definite instructions to take Italy as his sphere of
operations and to make war of Rome” (Livy 26). He was prepared to let his forces loose in Italy
to destroy Rome. Conversely, Hannibal could also have been driven by revenge. He lost his
father Hamilcar and brother-in-law Hasdrubal to war. Hannibal was held responsible for taking
his father’s place at a very young age. This loss and its effects increased Hannibal’s dislike for
the Romans. As Hannibal succeeded Hamilcar, the effects on others became clear; “When the
news came that Hannibal had been elected by the army to fill his place, the choice was accepted
as a matter of course… So the matter stood. The Romans had no comment to make” (Baker 74).
Hannibal felt a responsibility to his homeland. He felt that he owed his homeland, where
he played as a child and came to grow up there. Carthage is where Hannibal knew he was
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ensured a safe future. Because of this, Hannibal felt obligated to fight his hardest to free
Carthage from bondage. He also felt responsible to finish what his family began and never
surrender to Rome. Hannibal accompanied his father as he traveled from place to place as a
general. Hannibal, after observing his father for years, was prepared to lead the Carthaginian
army in the noble battle against Rome.
Hannibal’s reasons for fighting the Second Punic War were many and varied. However,
some main reasons were personal and close at heart. Two reasons he wanted to fight were to
defend his homeland and avenge his passed family. Hannibal felt an obligation to his homeland
to bring honor and ensure a safe future to the Carthaginians. He also had a personal motivation to
honor family and avenge the father and brother he lost to war. His reasons for fighting the war
helped give him energy to fight the war as best he could. This exemplifies Hannibal as a good
military leader, as he has his reasons to fight the war and therefore provides a drive to win for
their own satisfaction and for the good of the region.
Many people had an impact on Hannibal’s ability and judgment during the Second Punic
War. Likewise, Hannibal influenced others as well. However, the results of these influences are
what are variable. Hannibal was influenced by his military history, especially observing his
father as a child. The Roman forces also influenced Hannibal’s strategies during the war.
A philosophy of conflict states, “For I think that men in these circumstances are
compelled, not occasionally but frequently either by the suggestions of friends or the complexity
of affairs, to speak and act contrary to real principles” (Polybius). This can relate to both
influences of friends and enemies, as power is based on how well a man can influence others.
Hannibal influenced the Roman Scipio Africanus, who influenced Sulla, who was the spiritual
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ancestor of Caesar. Through this thinking, Hannibal was part of the basis of Roman government,
monarchy, and the development of the army (Baker ix). Others influenced Hannibal similarly.
Hannibal was influenced by his family’s military history, spending much time with his
father Hamilcar Barca as a child and calling upon his brother Hasdrubal for support at Cannae.
His father had a much greater influence: “Hamilcar was one of those men who arise to supply a
demand” (Baker 45). Hamilcar was able to find different ways to outsmart Roman strategies,
similar to Hannibal. It was this outward thinking that influenced Hannibal’s future thought.
Hannibal used his reason to analyze Roman strategies. He often used the information he gained
to predict their next move, as other commanders do. However, these predictions were not always
correct. Carthaginians never had been pressed to extremity and did not do well in situations such
as this: “Hannibal was too wise to attempt to attack the Roman entrenchments, but it was
necessary to get the Romans to move” (Baker 133). Hannibal was forced to change his plans;
therefore, his plans were influenced by the plans of the Romans. Anyone can be influenced or
instigate others for any reason. Previous experience in military, especially by observation,
provided Hannibal with a guideline for his strategies. Hannibal had to learn to amend his plans
on the spot to have a chance at defeating the Romans.
Hannibal was affected by close influences during the Second Punic War. Hannibal’s
decisions were influenced by his history in the military and strategies he has previously learned
that have succeeded. He was also influenced by the movements of the enemies and had to change
his plans and learned to adapt, which is something few Carthaginians can do. Hannibal
exemplifies the characteristics of a hero because he is able to make decisions based on his
knowledge from previous experiences and information gained within moments of the decision.
When he determines what he wants to do, Hannibal always has the final result in mind.
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Hannibal caused as much irreparable damage to Rome as Rome did to Carthage. The war
caused a change in Roman & Carthaginian perspective of each other. People’s pride, dignity, and
morals were compromised along the way. Sometimes loss is not what was expected. The effects
of the war greatly changed both Rome and Carthage for better and for worse.
After the Second Punic War ended, there was a drastic change in both Roman and
Carthaginian perspective. Hannibal was one cause: “Of all that befell the Romans and
Carthaginians, good or bad, the cause was one man and one mind – Hannibal” (Polybius). Rome
now considered Carthage a real threat to the state. Rome feared a rebellion, and had Carthage
sign a peace treaty that forced them to live by Roman rules. The two cities were completely
isolated of each other in terms of each society. The Barcas long thought they would never be part
of Rome, but Hannibal signed the peace treaty to ensure the best for Carthage, ending the Second
Punic War. The Barcas despised Rome, especially Hannibal, adjusting to the difficult change:
“So at long last the city of Carthage was compelled to accept the condition that the Barcas had
vowed they would never accept, of being a friend of the Romans” (Lamb 251). This was a
condition of the surrender to Rome: Carthage, however reluctant, must succumb to Roman rule.
After the war, Rome continued to struggle while Carthage thrived under Roman law. The
difference between Rome and Carthage’s society was very clear: “Ironically, the peace of 201
found Rome, the victor, deeply enmeshed in conflict while Carthage, the vanquished, became
free to go about her affairs” (Lamb 259). Carthage was free to live but under the conditions of
the treaty. Rome was beginning to believe that by winning the war, they might have lost the
serenity they could have gained. Carthage was luxurious and beautiful, yet Rome was struggling
with internal affairs. Both regions faced different battles after the war ended.
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Hannibal caused a large amount of damage to Rome. Rome now feared Carthage and
believed that it could rebel. To prevent this, Rome had Carthage under a peace treaty and under
threat of war. Hannibal attempted to defend the honor of his homeland by refusing to become a
part of Rome. However, he soon realized he had no choice but to sign the treaty to ensure a safe
future for Carthage. He compromised his beliefs and morals by surrendering to Rome. However,
by Hannibal signing the treaty, Carthage thrived under Roman law while Rome suffered.
The Second Punic War resulted in a different perspective for both Rome and Carthage.
Carthage became a looming threat to Rome, and Rome now feared an invasion or rebellion.
Hannibal’s compromising of his morals led to a calm time for Carthage, although they lived
under Roman rule. Hannibal’s surrender meant the end of the Hannibalic War for both Carthage
and Rome, but Rome still fought for ultimate power and authority. Only Carthage was able to
thrive as Rome struggled. Hannibal sacrificed much for his personal gain to preserve the glory of
Carthage. His dedication to his homeland helped classify him as a good leader.
Hannibal was a great military leader and a courageous war hero because of his skill, his
motivation, and his ability to bring the best to his homeland. His military strategy, logic, and
reason affected the results of the war, sometimes in the favor of Carthage. He was able to defeat
the Roman army in many battles, which was once thought to be impossible. Hannibal’s influence
from others and his personal reasons motivated him to fight not only for himself, but for his
country and those in it. The effects of the war were perceived differently from the protagonists
and the antagonists, as Hannibal influenced both sides. The Second Punic War helped shape
Carthage and its future. It could not have been done without the great hero Hannibal leading the
fight with courage, determination, and power.
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Works Cited
Baker, G.P. Hannibal. New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc., 1967.
Canter, H.V. “The Character of Hannibal.” The Classical Journal 24.8 (1929): 564-77. JSTOR.
Web. 6 Oct 2010.
Lamb, Harold. Hannibal: One Man Against Rome. Garden City, New York: Doubleday &
Company, Inc., 1958.
Livy. The War With Hannibal. London: Penguin Books, 1965.
Peddie, John. Hannibal’s War. Gloucestershire: Sutton Publishing Limited, 1997.
Polybius. “Book IX, Chapters 22-26.” The Histories. Fordham.edu Ancient History Sourcebook.
Web. 11 Oct. 2010.