Hannibal

Carthaginian general (247-c. 183 BCE): his command in Iberia, his invasion of Italy in the Second Punic War, and his exile.

Category: Figures

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1. 219 BCE
   Hannibal captures Saguntum

   After eight months' siege, Hannibal takes Saguntum in 219 BCE, a town allied to Rome south of the Ebro. Rome demands his surrender, Carthage refuses, and the Second Punic War begins.

   Roman RepublicCarthagePunic WarsHannibal📍 Saguntum
2. 218 BCE
   Battle of the Trebia

   Hannibal defeats a Roman army at the Trebia in December 218 BCE, his first major victory in Italy. Most of his elephants die in the winter cold afterwards.

   Roman RepublicCarthagePunic WarsHannibal📍 Trebia river
3. 218 BCE
   Hannibal crosses the Alps

   In autumn 218 BCE Hannibal leads his army and some 38 elephants from Spain over the Alps into Italy. Most elephants die and the exact pass is still disputed.

   Roman RepublicCarthagePunic WarsHannibal📍 Alps
4. 217 BCE
   Battle of Lake Trasimene

   In 217 BCE Hannibal ambushes a Roman army beside Lake Trasimene and kills the consul Flaminius. Rome appoints Fabius Maximus dictator; his strategy of delay gives us the word "Fabian".

   Roman RepublicCarthagePunic WarsHannibal📍 Lake Trasimene
5. 216 BCE
   Battle of Cannae

   Hannibal's double envelopment destroys a much larger Roman army at Cannae in 216 BCE; ancient sources give tens of thousands dead. Capua and other southern cities defect, but Rome refuses peace.

   Roman RepublicCarthagePunic WarsHannibal📍 Cannae
6. 214 BCE
   First Macedonian War

   After Cannae, Philip V of Macedon allies with Hannibal (215 BCE). Rome keeps him busy in Greece through Aetolian allies until the stalemate ends in the Peace of Phoenice in 205 BCE.

   Roman RepublicMacedonHannibalHellenistic kingdoms📍 Rome
7. 207 BCE
   Battle of the Metaurus

   In 207 BCE two Roman consuls destroy Hasdrubal Barca's army marching to reinforce his brother Hannibal. Hasdrubal dies in the battle; Hannibal withdraws to Bruttium.

   Roman RepublicCarthagePunic WarsHannibal📍 Metaurus river
8. 202 BCE
   Battle of Zama ends the Second Punic War

   Scipio Africanus defeats Hannibal near Zama in 202 BCE. In 201 Carthage accepts peace: it loses its overseas territory and most of its navy, pays a large indemnity, and may not wage war without Rome's consent.

   Roman RepublicCarthagePunic WarsHannibal📍 Zama
9. c. 183 BCE
   Hannibal dies in exile

   Hannibal dies in Bithynia, probably by poison, as Roman envoys press for his surrender; sources give 183, 182 or 181 BCE, and some blame King Prusias or a fever.

   Roman RepublicCarthagePunic WarsHannibal📍 Libyssa