WARRIORS

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Facts about Hannibal Barca

Hannibal Barca was a renowned general and statesman. He was known for his skill as a commander and his contributions to the army. He was born in 247 BC to Hamilcar Barca who was also a chief in the Carthaginian army. Mago and Hasdrubal were his younger brothers. All his family members were employed in the army and made major contributions to many wars.

Hannibal was born in Tunisia in the Mediterranean region. His name is of Latin origin and unique in Carthaginian culture. He had a difficult childhood as his father was busily engaged in the Mercenary War.

The situation was made worse when his sisters both became engaged and he lost their support. Hamilcar decided to improve Carthage’s fate after it suffered losses in the First Punic War, and Hannibal supported his father in building a strong army and fighting the Romans.

At the age of nine, Hannibal was introduced to Roman and Carthage rivalry. He was made commander-in-chief of his troops and was given extensive training in the army at the same time.

1. The Roman Enemy

Hannibal’s life was dedicated to fighting the Roman Empire. His father, Hamilcar, introduced him to the Roman wars and trained him in the Carthaginian army. Rome was always a threat to Carthage, and the Barca family fought against them throughout their lives.

When Hamilcar introduced Hannibal to the army, he made him swear to maintain Rome as an enemy. After his father’s death in the Mercenary War, Hannibal decided to fight to earn the lost respect of Carthage, and he traveled to Spain to seek support.

Hannibal Barca soon integrated into the Spanish army, and his efforts paid off in a victory over Rome in the First Punic War. The fire in his heart to defeat Rome was real, and he kept his promise to his father to always fight Rome. His aim to earn respect and freedom for Carthage was also achieved.

2. A Good Education

Hannibal was not only an efficient and capable soldier, but he was also well educated, often proving that the pen is mightier than the sword.

Hannibal was a great scholar, and he learnt from the ancient Greek teachers. While his father taught him everything he needed to know about the military and war, his Greek teachers were the key contributors to his all-round development. Hannibal made literary contributions mainly in the field of military books but was also a keen observer of language, especially Greek, and arithmetic.

He committed many of his great battle plans to paper, and being such a military enthusiast, Barca created a manual for the defense of Rhodes while he was in exile after the Second Punic War.

3. Mysterious Death

Hannibal Barca’s death has remained a mystery, and archeologists and historians have never been able to provide any real details about it. It is believed that Hannibal died in Gebze, Turkey, possibly of a prolonged fever after injuring his finger with a sword while he was mounting his horse. This theory is often disputed though, and many scholars disagree with the story.

Another widely believed cause of death was suicide. It was thought that he poisoned himself in Libyssa. He had a ring with him which was always loaded with poison, and one theory is that he killed himself on the shores of the Sea of Marmara by consuming the poison.

The reason behind his suicide was thought to be his ongoing struggle with the Roman Empire. After the Second Punic War, he was exiled for a long time and had plenty of time to think about his own death. It is thought that this exile and isolation may have led to his suicide.

4. A Great Leader

Hannibal Barca learned to lead from the front. The Punic Wars were the most important evidence of his leadership qualities, and the most famous example of his military excellence was at the Battle of Cannae. His leadership skills and courage enabled his army to win the battle with only a handful of troops against a formidable 60,000-strong enemy.

The Battle of Cannae was considered the bloodiest battle ever fought. Around a quarter of the Roman population was killed, and Hannibal led by example. He left behind a legacy in warfare which is still evident today.

5. Shine to his Name

Hannibal belonged to an aristocratic family, and his surname Barca meant “shine” or “lightning,” a name which he certainly lived up to. Hannibal was the one who earned his family respect even after his defeat in the Punic Wars.

Hannibal’s family and his tribe, the Barcans, were filled with joy on his first victory in the wars. Despite beginning life as the black sheep of the family, Hannibal soon proved them wrong with his courage and skill on the battlefield.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking