Hannibal - with elephants over the Alps

The year 246 BC, the year in which the top military commander Hannibal born. Hannibal someday be a great fighter and leader, but at the same time also a loser. Born in one of the greatest cities of antiquity, Carthage, and just a suburb of Tunis, the capital of the North African country of Tunisia. The population then of 500,000. But now back to Hannibal, who fought hard and lost a lot.

Who was Hannibal?
246 BC Hannibal was born in Carthage, the son of General Hamilcar Barca and will Bithynia 183 BC in his life. But until that will happen a lot. At the time of Hannibal, his country of birth and therefore, also implicated his father Hamilcar directly to a confrontation with the Roman Empire: Punic War. Therefore, we want to preface some remarks on the Punic Wars:

Romans and Carthaginians - the Punic Wars
Punic War lasted 118 years, 264-146 BC, but that prevails at this time is not always the war. In the year 246 BC we are right at the first Punic War. The participants in these wars, the Romans and the Carthaginians. Punic Wars, which were named by the Carthaginians (Punic =) that is divided into three separate wars.

The battle begins - the first Punic War (264 BC - 241 BC)
Map: Carthage's sphere of influence before the first Punic War, which stained blue. The two Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardinia to Rome Hannibal lost father. Here it says that the first war in which we live. The Roman Empire stretches more than Italy and will continue to grow. The Romans thought they could take in the Mediterranean, visiting the islands. But the Carthaginians, who controlled trade throughout the Mediterranean and indirect rule over parts of the islands of Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily to defend their best. However, Carthage lost, despite great efforts, the war.

The reigning Lutatius Roman consul Gaius Catullus and the commander of Hamilcar Barca agree to a contract: The Carthaginians must submit Sicily to the Roman Empire, all Roman prisoners of war and pay 2,200 talents, an ancient coin as compensation. A blow to the people and government of Carthage. Amilcar is so disappointed by his defeat that leaves their children swear revenge. Hannibal and his brothers will succeed where his father was denied: a victory over Rome. It is 23 years later the war.

The route of the Alps - the 2 nd Punic War (218 BC - 201 BC)
After Hamilcar Barca, Hannibal's father died, Hannibal took over the age of 28 the rule. Hannibal seeks an ally and, finally, I found this in Spain. From the Roman Empire has power over the Mediterranean and wants to take over the sea may also North Africa and Spain, must meet Hannibal counter measures to prevent this.

Therefore, developed a brilliant plan and travels with 50,000 infantry, cavalry and 39 elephants in 9000 by sea to Spain. From here, take any further travel arrangements. As the first man takes out an army of the Alps in northern Italy.

From there made ​​his way south. Several battles he chooses for himself. But Hannibal's happiness does not last long. Hannibal to supply new troops already stationed in Spain said his brother Hasdrubal also go to the Alps of Italy, but in the middle of the Alps, he dies. As a result, the Roman soldiers are mostly so easy to defeat the Carthaginian army can. In the subsequent peace agreement is the worst measure of Hannibal, who can not do without the consent of the war in Rome.

What happened next to Hannibal
Hannibal lost time, but not give up. Because of its compliance with the peace agreement that can be a businessman, but their rich Carthaginians slander against the Roman rulers. Hannibal has to flee. Its flight is from Carthage to Tyre (Lebanon) to Armenia and from there via Crete to Bithynia (Asia Minor).

There is Prusias last king to use it as a fleet commander, however, lose Prusias troops' on the ground against the Romans. Hannibal has no chance to escape more before the Roman captivity, and has 183 before Christ and not by suicide poison.