Hannibal of Carthage
In chapter four of Michael Scotts book Ancient Worlds: A Global History of Antiquity, we learn about, who is thought of today as, one of the greatest military leaders in history. Hannibal was a Carthaginian son of the great General Hamilcar. Hamilcar lead the army of Carthage against the Romans during the first of the Punic Wars.
Growing up a generals son, Hannibal was taken from Carthage and brought to Spain at a young age to learn military strategies and other tactics with his father and brother. Hamilcar did this so that his heirs would be prepared for anything once their times come. It is in Spain where Hamilcar, Hannibal’s father, dies in a battle where Hannibal and his brother Hasdrubal were present. The two brothers escaped but it was their father that rode his horse in another direction to draw the pursuers away from his sons and save them but giving his own life in the process.
After the death of Hamilcar, Hamilcar’s son-in-law Hasdrubal succeeded as Military Commander and Hasdrubal made Hannibal an officer in the army. Later on Hasdrubal is assassinated and the army unanimously chose Hannibal to command the Empire’s army in Spain. The Carthage government would later anoint him as the Commander and Chief of the military of Carthage.
Before leaving Carthage to go to Spain, Hannibal was taken by his father and Hamilcar made Hannibal dip his hand in blood and swear an oath of hatred against Rome. To never show goodwill to them. His father had said that he was raising his kids to destroy Rome. After Hannibal was sworn as the military leader he honored his oath he led an attack on Saguntum which was a city in the borders of Carthage’s borders in Spain. Saguntum was allied with Rome and after the attack, Rome took it as an act of war and ordered for Hannibals surrender. Hannibal refused and had his thoughts on the opposite. Hannibal was preparing for war, the second Punic War.
Hannibal took a force of nearly 90,000 infantry, 12,000 Cavalry, and about 40 elephants and marched close to 1,000 miles across the Pyrenees and the Rhone River, as well as the Alpine Mountains. The journey took more than two-thirds of his army due to frostbite and starvation. This journey would later be remembered as one of the most famous campaigns in history. Hannibal took his depleted army and marched against the Roman forces yet. Hannibal met the Roman army of general Publius Cornelius Scipio and won the battle. In the summer, Rome lead an army of twice the size as Hannibal's against him but Hannibals men yet prevailed and won due to brilliant strategy. Romes strengths was in the center of the infantry and then it had its cavalry on the sides. Hannibal had a weak center but instead had strong infantry and Cavalry forces at the back of the army. Hannibals weak center held and they also won the battle of the edges against the Roman Cavalry, which allowed them to surround the enemy and cut off the decision of retreat.
Reading about the Journey across the Alps amazed me, how could someone guide so many men and animals across the alps! Especially with the clothing they wore back then as well. Granted many did die but many also survived. They traveled through many narrow walks with death falls on one side and a rock wall on the other. They had people from native tribes in the alps throwing rocks down at them. They were defenseless but yet made it out. I just find this amazing. Not only this but even after all of that they went against an army that was double their size and took them out. The might of the men and the heroic leadership and tactics of Hannibal won them this battle.
This link sends you to an article that informs you a little more about Hannibal and his march across the alps and his battles with the Romans.
Sources:
Michael Scott's book
I also think it is crazy and mind blowing that they used elephants in battle. Especially back then, it would scare away many of their opponents. This unique and transformative way to battle changed the way of transportation in battle- which for Carthage is a key priority. Ignorantly, I had always thought that the circus was the first time elephants were "domesticated" enough and trained enough to serve humans. After reading this posting and Scott's text I realized that they were actually used for battle well prior. Great information here!
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