After deciding to take a little bit more anfractuous route on the quest of knowledge today, I decided I'd spend a couple hours learning about Hannibal, the Carthaginian military leader that is often claimed to be the best in all of history (pretty bold claim, huh?) I'll start by outlining his early life, perhaps indicating some of the things that lead him down his path (hint: he did not like Rome (the powerhouse of the times) all too much.) Then, I'll outline his achievements, and finally, I'll close with his final days and some insights as to what I believe is important about knowing his story.
I'll start by saying that we really don't know all too much about this guy. Despite consistently being proclaimed as one of the greatest generals in antiquity (kinda douchey way of saying ancient history), he has no surviving biography, and most accounts of him are by his enemies (roman historians). We also little to nothing about his wife or alleged son beyond his wives name. Hannibal (also known as Hannibal Barca) was born in 247 BCE to Hamilcar Barca, who was the general of the Carthaginian forces for the first Punic War (basically fought between the massive Roman empire and Carthage over Sicily, an area originally controlled by Carthage but smack dab in between North Africa (Carthage territory) and Italy (Rome territory). So as ancient greek historian Polybius (I may write about him next) tells it, Hannibal's father invited Hannibal to join him on an expedition to Spain when he was only 9 years of age. Before their departure, his father lead him to an altar and a sacrificial victim (pretty creepy shit if you ask me), where he proceeded to tell Hannibal to put his hand on the victim and swear eternal disdain for Rome (getting back to that point about really not liking Rome too much). Hannibal was happy to do it. In Spain, Hannibal learned how to fight, strategize, but above all else, out-think an opponent (do we still teach this?) Though his brother in law originally took over the troops on his fathers passing, he eventually was killed and Hannibal took over (25 years old) by unanimous decision of the troops. Here's where shit starts getting pretty cool..
So after the first Punic War (war I previously mentioned the Hannibal's father commanded) and the Roman Victory, there was a little bit of bullying going on. Rome essentially told Carthage that they'd "allow" them to stay in Spain only if they paid Rome and tribute (wow, really?). With tension still very pervasive from the first Punic War, Rome decided it'd be a good idea to orchestrate a coupe (uprising) in the city of Saguntum (Western Spain), and install a government not friendly to Carthage (go figure). Hannibal didn't take kindly to this, and sacked the city. Carthage refused to give him up despite Rome's bellowing requests (now that's loyalty money can't buy). This is how the Second Punic War starts. What happens next is likely why Hannibal has been for so long eulogized as one of the greatest leaders in history. He decides he's not going to take big ole Rome's shit, and begins a march towards northern Italy. On the way, he portrays himself as a liberator for the people of Spain, garnering support all along the way. LETS TAKE A QUICK PIT STOP FOR A GEOGRAPHY LESSON. IF YOU WERE NOT ALREADY AWARE, THERE IS A MASSIVE MOUNTAIN RANGE (THE ALPS) DIRECTLY IN HIS WAY. THERE IS NO WAY AROUND. HE IS CARRYING ELEPHANTS. Okay, now that that's out of the way, let me break it down one more time. In order to get to Northern Italy, he had to cross the Alps. He had a large number of supplies, 50,000 infantry, 9,000 calvary, and....elephants...(apparently very useful for terrorizing the Roman forces). Well, as you may have guessed, he went through with the crossing, losing nearly half his troops, and.. you guessed it... almost all of the elephants :(. Not only did the mountains give them a harsh weather(ing) (see what I did there) but also were home to many hostile tribes (I might be as well If I lived in a freezing mountain range). Well, they made it over, and though Rome found out soon thereafter and sent Scipio (another famous general I may discuss soon) to confront Hannibal, Carthage triumphed at the Ticino River. He would win more battles, and continue to play liberator in Northern Italy to coax others to his side. He sent request for more supplies and siege machines (used to break down heavy doors) but Carthage basically said "nah, looks like you're doing well". While much more can be said, rest assured that Hannibal's wits continued on. Among other things, he distracted Roman forced by tying torches to cattle, and constantly changing dress as to avoid assassination. The battle of Cannae was an example of Hannibal's military brilliance, as, by using a crescent shaped formation and drawing in the aggressive Roman army, was able to nearly obliterate an entire force of 50,000 Romans. At this point, other places began to question Rome's hegemony, which lead to the first Macedonian war. At this point, many in the Carthagianan forces told Hannibal it was time to attack Rome, however he was right to say his mean were simply too worn out. Had Carthage sent reinforcements when he requested, history may be very different. Unfortunately, the son of the aforementioned Scipio was soon to rain on the parade. He swiftly reclaimed Spain for Rome, little to the knowledge of Hannibal. Scipio decided it was time to march on Carthage. He was met by Hannibal at the battle of Zama in Northern Africa. Scipio had studied Hannibal's tactics just as Hannibal had been doing for so long. Tricking Hannibal with a horizontal front line and vertical formation behind, Scipio was able to turn the elephants against Hannibal, and end the Second Punic War.
Hannibal had a successful career thereafter, but whether it be anger for losing the war or jealously, his fellow statesmen didn't stay on his side. Further, Rome pressured Scipio, who pardoned Hannibal and deemed him an "honorable man". Knowing he was out favor, he fled to Asia Minor. One thing lead to another, and eventually Hannibal discovered the futility of his situation. He took his own life in 183 BCE, not allowing the Romans to do so instead. Scipio died the same year, with instructions to be buried outside of Rome.
Cool fact: Roman mothers used to tell their children "Hannibal ad Porto" which translates to "Hannibal is at the door" to frighten them to bed. Though he met an untimely end, it is clear he is perhaps one of the greatest generals the world has ever seen. After all, he managed to cross the alps (with elephants) consistently crush one of the most powerful entities the world has ever seen, and occupy Italy for 15 years.
I hope this was cool to read, please feel free to leave questions/comments. Peace (:
ps: sorry for any typo's, I didn't have much time to proofread.