Prelude to WarEnd of the 1st start of the 2nd

234 to 218 BCE.Hamilcar Barca

He was the Carthaginian general during the end of the first Punic War

He vowed to renew the war with Rome and burn her to the ground.

After the first Punic War he goes to Spain to conquer new territory for Carthage.

He has a famous son named…

Hamilcar’s DeathHasdrubal is Hamilcar’s right hand man in Spain. During this campaign Hamilcar dies. Hannibal is now 21 and goes to Spain. The troops, who were loyal to Hamilcar, love Hannibal.

Hannibal’s StartHannibal wears plain clothing. He sleeps on the ground with his men. He eats the same food. He commands and fights from the front. He didn’t drink.

Hannibal in PowerHasdrubal is killed by an angry native. Hannibal is now in power of the armies in Spain.He is bound by the treaty signed after the first Punic War to:Not cross the Ebro river. To not attack Rome’s ally, Saguntum

Hannibal Pushing ButtonsHannibal wants to finish what his father started. He knows he doesn’t have the political support to just attack Rome.

He stations his army just outside of Saguntum.He creates a conflict between a neighboring tribe and the city.

Saguntum fears that Hannibal will siege the city and quickly sends ambassadors to Rome.

WARRoman ambassadors reach the city and find it sieged.

Hannibal refuses to see them. The ambassadors go to Carthage. Hannibal sends his own ambassadors to Carthage. A fierce debate breaks out in the Carthaginian senate.

Carthage backs HannibalHannibal sacks Saguntum

Iberian Soldier

Iberian falcata

Attribution: Luis García