In 219 BC, the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca laid siege to Saguntum, a city in modern Spain allied with Rome. This was a deliberate provocation. As a child, Hannibal had sworn an oath to his father to forever be an enemy of Rome, and he now sought a pretext for war. The brutal eight-month siege ended with the city’s fall. In response, Rome sent an embassy to Carthage demanding Hannibal’s surrender. The Carthaginian senate refused. Furious, Rome declared war in March 218 BC. The Second Punic War had begun. Hannibal, however, had no intention of fighting a defensive war. He planned to take the fight directly to the enemy, in their own homeland: Italy.
Hannibal Crosses the Alps
In 218 BC, Hannibal Barca led an army with 37 elephants across the Alps to invade Italy, sparking a 17-year war that brought Rome to the brink of collapse.
Chapter 1
The Oath
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hannibal invade Italy over land?
Hannibal chose a land invasion to surprise the Romans, who controlled the seas and expected an attack from the south. The overland route through the Alps was considered impossible, which gave him the element of surprise. This allowed him to establish a foothold in northern Italy and rally Gallic tribes to his side.
What was the 'double envelopment' at Cannae?
It was a pincer movement tactic. Hannibal arranged his weaker center in a crescent that intentionally gave way, luring the larger Roman force into a pocket. Then, his stronger infantry on the wings and his superior cavalry attacked the Romans from the sides and rear, completely surrounding and destroying them.
Why didn't Hannibal ever capture the city of Rome?
Despite his victories, Hannibal lacked the siege equipment needed to break Rome's strong fortifications. His strategy was to isolate Rome by detaching its Italian allies, rather than a direct assault. However, most allies remained loyal, and Rome's resilience ultimately prevented him from achieving his final goal.
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