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Hannibal Barca

By N.S. Gill, About.com

Hannibal, Scipio Africanus, and soldiers in battle at Ticino River.Library of Congress
Who was Hannibal Barca?:
Hannibal was the leader of the Carthaginian forces against Rome in the Second Punic War. Hannibal almost overpowered Rome and was considered Rome's greatest enemy.
Occupation: Leader
Hannibal Birth and Death Dates:
247?-183? B.C. Hannibal committed suicide by ingesting poison. He was at Bithynia at the time and in danger of being extradited to Rome.
Hannibal's Main Victories:
Hannibal's first military success, in Saguntum, in Spain, precipitated the Second Punic War. During this war, the Carthaginians, under Hannibal, crossed the Alps with his elephants and achieved surprising military victories. However, at the Battle of Zama, in 202, Hannibal was defeated and the Carthaginians had to make heavy concessions to the Romans.
Meaning of the name Hannibal Barca:
Hannibal means "joy of Baal." Barca means "lightning." Barca is also spelled Barcas, Barca, and Barak.
Family of Hannibal:
Hannibal Barca was a son of the Carthaginian military leader of the First Punic War, Hamilcar Barca. Hamilcar developed a Carthaginian base in southern Spain. When Hamilcar died, his son-in-law Hasdrubel took over, but when Hasdrubel died, seven years later, in 221, the army appointed Hannibal general of the Carthaginian forces in Spain.
Why Hannibal Was Considered Great?:
Hannibal, the Carthaginian leader and enemy of Rome retained his reputation as a formidable opponent and great military leader even after Hannibal and the Carthaginians lost the Punic Wars. Hannibal is known for his crossing of the Alps with elephants to face the Roman army. By the time Hannibal had crossed, he had about 50,000 troops and 6000 horsemen with which he faced the Romans' 200,000. Although Hannibal ultimately lost the war, he managed to survive in enemy land, winning battles, for 15 years.
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