General Hannibal of Carthage is often called the “Father of Strategy.” His march over the Alps is one of the most famous attacks in military history. Hannibal defeated the Roman Army many times, until his defeat to Scipio, a Roman general, in 202 BC. Hannibal is important to history because of his skillful battle tactics. He was one of the best generals of ancient times. Because of his tactics, he was able to defeat Roman armies on many occasion. He was not only a good leader, but also a good government official. He led the Carthage government after Carthage’s defeat in the second Punic war.

Hannibal was born 247 BC, the son of Hamilcar Barca, a General of the Carthaginian Army. Hannibal’s training as a military leader began at the age of nine when he traveled to Spain to be with his father. At Hamilcar’s request, Hannibal pledged an oath of hatred towards the Roman Empire. The oath was in response to Carthage’s loss to the Romans in the First Punic War (261-241 BC). After Hamilcar's death in 228 BC, Hannibal’s brother in law, Hasdrubal, assumed command of the Carthaginian Army. Hasdrubal lead the army for seven years until his assassination in 2

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Syracuse,an ally to Rome, left the Roman cause to join Hannibal. To make up for his losses, Hannibal recruited Gallic people of Northern Italy.

In December of 218 BC Hannibal won victories against the Romans and secured the Padus Valley. Snow had already fallen on the high passes when Hannibal started his march across the Alps with 40,000 men along with a Calvary and a large number of war elephants to carry supplies. Rome once again demanded the surrender of Hannibal.

A peace treaty with Rome allowed Carthage to govern itself. After his victory Hannibal crossed the Apennines and invaded the Roman provinces of Picenu, and Apulia and then marched into Campania. He captured Tarentum in 213 BC, and in 210 BC Hannibal lost many men in a battle at Herdoniae. Instead of storming Rome, Hannibal marched through Italy to Apulia and destroyed everything in his path. After the victory, many Indian tribes allied with the Carthaginian army. Hannibal sometimes headed the Cartheginian government. Before Hannibal could get there his brother was killed in combat. They say he should have attacked Rome when it was in this weak state, and he was so powerful.

Many historians argue that Hannibal’s biggest mistake was not attacking Rome after this victory.

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