Hannibal

Hannibal (or Hannibal Barca) was the leader of the military forces of Carthage that fought against Rome in the Second Punic War. Hannibal, who almost overpowered Rome, was considered Rome's greatest enemy.

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.

[39.51]"....Finally [Hannibal] called for the poison which he had long kept in readiness for such an emergency. 'Let us,' he said, 'relieve the Romans from the anxiety they have so long experienced, since they think it tries their patience too much to wait for an old man's death....'"
Livy

Hannibal's first military success, in Saguntum, in Spain, precipitated the Second Punic War. During this war, Hannibal led the forces of Carthage across the Alps with elephants and achieved surprising military victories. However, at the Battle of Zama, in 202, he was defeated and Carthage had to make heavy concessions to the Romans.

Hannibal means "joy of Baal." Barca means "lightning." Barca is also spelled Barcas, Barca, and Barak.

Hannibal was a son of the military leader of Carthage during the First Punic War, Hamilcar Barca. Hamilcar developed a base for Carthage in southern Spain. When Hamilcar died, his son-in-law Hasdrubel took over, but when Hasdrubel died, 7 years later, in 221, the army appointed Hannibal general of the forces of Carthage in Spain.

Hannibal retained his reputation as a formidable opponent and great military leader even after Carthage lost the Punic Wars. Hannibal colors the popular imagination because of his treacherous trek with elephants across the Alps to face the Roman army. By the time the Carthaginian troops had finished the treacherous crossing, he had about 50,000 troops and 6000 horsemen with which to face and defeat the Romans' 200,000. Although Hannibal ultimately lost the war, he managed to survive in enemy land, winning battles for 15 years.

Hannibal is on the list of Most Important People to Know in Ancient History.