Marble bust traditionally associated with Hannibal

A marble bust traditionally associated with Hannibal; the identification is not certain. Ancient sculptor. Public domain or freely licensed; see source record.

Historical person · Ancient

Hannibal

247–c. 183 BC

Carthaginian commander who invaded Italy during the Second Punic War.

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Quick answers

What to know about Hannibal

Direct answers to common questions about Hannibal, followed by the full sourced biography.

Who was Hannibal?

Carthaginian commander who invaded Italy during the Second Punic War. Hannibal crossed the Alps in 218 BC and won major victories at the Trebia, Lake Trasimene and Cannae. Rome avoided another decisive confrontation in Italy while attacking Carthaginian power elsewhere. Scipio defeated Hannibal at Zama in 202 BC, and later Roman traditions made him both feared enemy and model commander.

What is Hannibal known for?

Hannibal is particularly known for Carthaginian commander who invaded Italy during the Second Punic War., Roman History.

When did Hannibal live?

Hannibal lived 247–c. 183 BC. This profile places that life within Ancient and Roman History.

Why is Hannibal historically significant?

Hannibal's career belongs within Roman History. Roman writers, inscriptions, archaeology and later traditions preserve different perspectives. Military and political success rested on conquest, taxation and slavery as well as individual ability. The central subjects here are the events behind this summary: Carthaginian commander who invaded Italy during the Second Punic War.

Biography

Hannibal: life and legacy

Overview

Hannibal crossed the Alps in 218 BC and won major victories at the Trebia, Lake Trasimene and Cannae. Rome avoided another decisive confrontation in Italy while attacking Carthaginian power elsewhere. Scipio defeated Hannibal at Zama in 202 BC, and later Roman traditions made him both feared enemy and model commander.

Life and career

Hannibal crossed the Alps in 218 BC and won major victories at the Trebia, Lake Trasimene and Cannae. Rome avoided another decisive confrontation in Italy while attacking Carthaginian power elsewhere. Scipio defeated Hannibal at Zama in 202 BC, and later Roman traditions made him both feared enemy and model commander.

Key events

247: Born. Hannibal was born in 247. Ancient: Historical career. Carthaginian commander who invaded Italy during the Second Punic War.

c. 183 BC: Died. Hannibal died in c. 183 BC.

Historical context

Hannibal's career belongs within Roman History. Roman writers, inscriptions, archaeology and later traditions preserve different perspectives. Military and political success rested on conquest, taxation and slavery as well as individual ability. The central subjects here are the events behind this summary: Carthaginian commander who invaded Italy during the Second Punic War.

Key moments

Timeline

  1. Born

    Hannibal was born in 247.

  2. Historical career

    Carthaginian commander who invaded Italy during the Second Punic War.

  3. Died

    Hannibal died in c. 183 BC.

Connections

Related people

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Evidence

Sources and further reading

  1. Hannibal reference searchEncyclopaedia Britannica
  2. Roman History research guidesThe National Archives
  3. Biographical records and portraitsNational Portrait Gallery
  4. Historical people and primary sourcesLibrary of Congress
  5. Historical figuresEncyclopaedia Britannica

Biographical claims are summarised from the sources above. Interpretation and disputed reputations are identified in the text rather than presented as settled fact.