The Second Punic War
(218-201 BC)

As mentioned before, Carthage had difficulties with its mercenary population within the military after the First Punic War. Hamilcar Barca withdrew his forces from the island of Sardinia to help quiet the rebellion. Rome took advantage of this, and invaded the island. Needless to say, this did not make the Carthaginians happy. Hamilcar Barca then decided to move his forces west, into Spain, in order to set new footholds in commerce and military might. With him he took his son, Hannibal. After Carthage sieged and captured the Mediterranean town of Saguntum, a Roman ally, Rome declared war.

After the death of Hamilcar Barca, his son Hannibal became leader of the Carthaginian army in Spain. It is an understatement to say he was a military genius not seen since Alexander. Hannibal decided to mount the most ambitious invasion plan of history-invade Rome through the Pyranees, the Rhone valley, and the Alps. This journey has gained further recognition because of his use of elephants on the treck and in battle. Along the way, he met many Roman armies, and defeated them all soundly.

Rome sent an army to Spain, and defeated the Carthiginian army there; that, coupled with a naval victories over Carthage in 211, cut off Hannibal's supply lines. This was not before Rome suffered the two worst military defeats of its history, the Battle of Lake Trasimene ,and the Battle of Cannae. Meanwhile, Hannibal was thwarted in his attempts to invade Rome. He tried to incite revolt among the tribes of Italy, but most feared Rome's wrath should Carthage lose, and they remained with Rome for the most part. After the disastrous battle of Cannae, Rome figured it was best not to engage Hannibal. In 206 Scipio Africanus drove the Carthaginians out of Spain, and his troops invaded Africa. His sweep through northern Africa forced Hannibal to go home and defend Carthage. In 202, Scipio finally defeated Hannibal, at the Battle of Zama. In 201, a treaty was signed, which was very punitive. Carthage had to surrender her navy, all territorial claims in Spain, and had to pay reparations in the amount of 10,000 talents over 50 years.

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