The Second Punic War Facts (Illustrated History of Ancient Rome

- Hannibal lived from 247-182 BC.

- Since Rome now ruled the Sea they could choose the field of battle. They decided to send one army to Spain and another to Sicily and Africa.

- Hannibal acted strategically and began a series of operations that dictated the course of the war for the greater part of its duration. He developed a plan by cutting off their source of strength in which he invaded Italy, thus causing a disruption of the league.

- Hannibal's chances of ever reaching Italy seemed small, for the sea was guarded by the Roman fleets and the land route was long and treacherous but he was very determined.

- Hannibal lost over 10,000 men and many elephants crossing the Alps.

- Hannibal picked up an army of Gauls along his way through the Alps.

- While Hannibal was attacking on the north, the Macedonians were attacking on the east.

- The Latin allies held firm and every freeman and slave was drafted for military service.

- When Scipio moved into Spain he crushed Hannibal's rear support.

- For Polybius, the Second Punic War illustrated the superiority of the strong Roman constitution over Hannibal's individual genius.

The History of Rome - Part One 743 - 136 B.C.