Hannibal’s War
The Second Punic War was one of the great struggles of the ancient world. Carthage and Rome fought from 218 to 201 BCE across Spain, Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, and North Africa. Hannibal led Carthage with brilliance, but Rome answered with Scipio Africanus, who brought the fight back to Carthage itself.
Key Facts
Fought: 218–201 BCE
Sides: Carthage vs. Rome
Leader of Carthage: Hannibal
Leader of Rome: Scipio Africanus
Battlefields: Spain, Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, and North Africa
Result: Rome won, and Carthage lost its place as a major Mediterranean power
Historical Context
The war came after Carthage had already lost the First Punic War. Hannibal became famous as one of history’s most skilled commanders, and his campaign made the conflict one of the most dramatic in ancient history. Even so, Rome’s strength grew, and Scipio Africanus eventually took the war to Carthage’s own territory.
Historical Significance
The Second Punic War changed the balance of power in the Mediterranean. Carthage suffered another crushing defeat, and its chance to remain a great rival to Rome slipped away. It would return for the Third Punic War about 50 years later, but this war marked the moment when Carthage’s long-term power was seriously broken.
Learn More: Second Punic War
