Daily #26

Please write a brief biography of Hannibal and explain whether or not you think his reputation (in Roman eyes) as a monster was deserved. 


Hannibal was born in 248 BC in Carthage.  His father was Hamilcar Barca, and he had many sisters and two brothers.  When his father was killed, Hannibal's brother-in-law took control of the army with Hannibal serving as an officer.  After his brother-in-law was assassinated, Hannibal was proclaimed commander-in-chief.  The overland journey to Italy was originally planned by Hannibal's brother-in-law, but Hannibal was able to achieve that plan.  He fought his way north, gaining land and wealth.  After Hannibal won the Battle of Trebia, the Gauls and Ligurians were encouraged to join the cause, raising his number of troops to around 40,000 men.  The counsels of Rome decided to send out troops to the east and west to block Hannibal from getting through to Rome.  The Battle of Cannae is, in my opinion, one of Hannibal's most memorable battles.  Though they were greatly outnumbered, Hannibal was able to surround the Romans and kill every single person in the opposing army.  As a result of this victory, many parts of Italy joined Hannibal on his quest.  In 212 BC, Hannibal captured Tarentum but failed to gain control of the harbor.  Hannibal had to return to Carthage to fight the Roman invasion.  In 195 BC, Hannibal went into voluntary exile.  Hannibal took poison and killed himself rather than die at his enemies hands.  The exact year of his death is unknown.


I think that Hannibal should be called a monster.  He was clever in each battle, and he slaughtered many people.  He came very close to conquering all of Italy, and I think that many people were frightened by him because of that.  He was a great leader and he was definitely a force to be reckoned with.