Government and Politics | Who Was Hannibal?

Who was Hannibal?

Hannibal (247–183 or 182 B.C.) was an African ruler who rose to power after a career as one of the world's greatest military commanders. He was born in Carthage, an ancient city on the northern shore of Africa in present-day Tunisia. Gaining the rank of general at age twenty-five, he led African armies against the Romans in the Second Punic War (218–201 B.C.). He ultimately conquered parts of Spain and Italy and nearly defeated the Roman Empire. Hannibal was known for his daring military tactics. During an invasion of Italy he led a small army of select troops on a little-known route over the Pyrennes Mountains and up the Rhône River valley. He then crossed the Alps with elephants and a full baggage train, accomplishing one of the most famous feats in military history. The entire time he skillfully avoided the Roman army, launching a surprise attack and conquering northern Italy. Hannibal was finally defeated by...

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