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Of all that befell both the Romans and the Carthaginians, the cause was one man, and one mind Hannibal's. - Polybius

No shortlist of the greatest generals in history would be complete without the name of Hannibal. Hannibal was a legendary Carthaginian warrior who was renowned for the brilliance of his military techniques and his ability to unite forces. Hannibal's life was fuelled by his ingrained and intense hatred of Rome his is a story of victories and hardships with this lethal enemy. It is also a story of a tragedy, the inevitable outcome of conflict between different ideals and outcomes, between the two great Mediterranean nations of the day, where rivalry and lust for riches land and power conquered all.

Hannibal was born in 247 B.C., six years before the end of the first great war between Rome and Carthage. He was born into one of the most distinguished families in Carthage: he could trace his descent to Queen Hissa - Dido - the founder of the great North African city. Unlike most first-born sons, his earliest remembered environment had been an armed camp. When he was nine years old, his father, Hamilcar Barca forced him to swear on a human sacrifice to never become a friend to the Romans, a spiritual milestone that would change his destiny.

As to Hannibal's character, it is a subject of much controversy some regard him as having been extraordinarily cruel and avaricious. In spite of these charges, he did enter into agreement with Rome for the return of prisoners and treated the fallen enemy generals with great respect. Of avarice, no direct evidence has been found other than the practices necessary for a general to finance a war. His physical bravery is unquestionable, always being the first into battle; his temperance and continence are commendable. His power of leadership is implied in the lack of rioting and disharmony in that mixed army he commanded, and the meticulous care for his animals provides proof of a humane disposition.

Hannibal was twenty-six when he was unanimously appointed by the army as the new commander the veterans noted his likeness to his father, the same lively expression, the piercing eyes, the same desire to vanquish Rome. Already, he commanded the loyalty of 100 000 men in his army, a mercenary mixture from all over Carthage and Gauls from Spain, France and Italy.

With 90 000 of his best foot soldiers, 12 000 horses and 37 elephants, Hannibal led his army through Spain and into what is now France, crossed the river Rhone, traversed

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