Western Civilization

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The Second Punic War, also called the Second Carthaginian War, took place from 218 to 201 B.C between the Roman Republic and Carthaginian Empire. There were three Punic Wars in all, resulting in Roman dominance over the Mediterranean. Rome saw how large Carthage was getting and how much power it was gaining. This, along with the fact that Carthage controlled three islands off the coast of Italy, was an issue for Rome. Rome insisted that Carthage join the Republic, to which Carthage disagreed. The two groups fought for twenty years, ending the wars when Carthage offered Rome the island of Sicily in exchange for peace. Rome took Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia. Carthage, lead by Hamilcar Barca, took off to fight Spain. Hamilcar’s son, Hannibal, was nine years old at the time. Before they left Carthage, Hamilcar made his son promise that when he was older he would fight Rome for revenge. Hannibal agreed, thus beginning the legend of Hannibal, military genius. (Second) Hannibal grew up being taught to completely despise Rome and everything about it. His hatred made it easier for him to come up with new tactics and ideas to gain strength in the years he was fighting in Spain. Hannibal was born a trickster, and he is known for winning most of his battles with clever antics and rather gruesome forms of punishment. Some may say Hannibal was a ruthless ruler, others may say he is a great leader, but his brutal childhood and learning from his father to be hateful contributed to his bloody ways. Hannibal’s tactics enforced loyalty among his soldiers and power over his enemies. There are many battle horror stories including Hannibal. Once, he had a Roman soldier held captive. He put the soldier up to fight against the elephant and said, ‘If you win, you will be freed.” The prisoner went underneath the elephant and cut its vital organs, giving the prisoner a win. Hannibal was

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