Daily 25

Please write a brief biography of Hannibal and explain whether or not you think his reputation (in Roman 

eyes) as a monster was deserved.

     Hannibal was born in 247 B.C.E. in Carthage. The city was going through a very difficult time since the First Punic War. The area lost Sicily and Hannibal must have seen the results of this action. His father was Hamilcar Barca. Hannibal was his first son. Hamilcar was a strong leader, who gained more territory, but it is said that he made Hannibal swear to hate the Romans. Hamilcar died in 229 B.C.E and Hasdrubal the Fair took over. He improved the diplomatic ideals of the city. Hannibal then married a native princess of the area. In 221 B.C.E Hasdrubal was murdered and Hannibal became commander. Hannibal attacked and conquered Salamanca and Saguntum (an ally to Rome). The Romans were very upset with this attack and they wanted Hannibal gone. Hannibal continued his conquests and eventually conquered the Iberian Peninsula. The Romans were so upset that they declared the Second Punic War. Hannibal saw this coming and attacked Rome when the Romans were unprepared. He also defeated the Gauls. Hannibal was trying to attack the Apennines, but he lost an eye during this battle and was forced to try again later. Rome received a new dictator that was actually successful to Hannibal’s surprise. The Romans decided to attack and they beat Hannibal’s army. After this attack, Sardinia revolted and Hannibal had to switch the capital to Capua. Hannibal made an alliance with King Philip V of Macedonia, which meant he had an ally. Hannibal started conquering southern Italy. Hannibal’s most famous battle was in the Second Punic War when was defeated by the Romans and forced to resign as general. In Roman eyes, yes, Hannibal was a monster. He defeated them several times, killing many, but the Romans later became just as bad, ruining Hannibal’s life. Both areas got what they deserved in the end. 

Source: http://www.livius.org/ha-hd/hannibal/hannibal2.html