Hannibal

Hannibal (247–183? B.C.), Carthaginian general who almost defeated Rome in the Second Punic War (218–201 B.C.). Son of Hamilcar Barca, he commanded Carthaginian forces in Spain. When the second war between Rome and Carthage broke out, he crossed the Pyranees with a seasoned force whose supplies were carried by elephants. In an extraordinary feat of organization, he took his forces through the Alps in winter and invaded the Po River valley, defeating Roman forces under Scipio and winning great victories at Lake Trasimene in central Italy (217 B.C.) and at Cannae (216 B.C.). Rome detained him with harassing tactics while Roman armies reduced Carthaginian possessions in Spain, and Hannibal was recalled to defend Carthage itself. He was ultimately defeated at Zama (202 B.C.) by a Roman army commanded by Scipio Africanus Major. Driven into exile c.195 B.C., he joined Syrian operations against Rome. When the defeated Syrians promised to surrender him to Rome, he poisoned himself.

See also: Carthage; Punic Wars.