Second Punic War

Second Punic War

The Second Punic War (218–201 BC) was a major conflict between the Carthaginian Empire and the Roman Republic. It is renowned for the military genius of Hannibal, who famously crossed the Alps with his army, including war elephants, to invade Italy.

Background

The Second Punic War was the second of three major wars fought between Rome and Carthage, known collectively as the Punic Wars. The conflict was primarily a struggle for supremacy in the western Mediterranean.

Causes

The war was triggered by the expansionist ambitions of both Rome and Carthage. The immediate cause was the Roman intervention in the dispute between the cities of Saguntum and Carthage in Iberia (modern-day Spain).

Major Battles

Battle of Trebia

The Battle of Trebia was the first major battle of the war, where Hannibal defeated the Romans in 218 BC.

Battle of Lake Trasimene

In 217 BC, Hannibal ambushed and destroyed a Roman army at the Battle of Lake Trasimene.

Battle of Cannae

The Battle of Cannae in 216 BC is considered one of the greatest tactical feats in military history, where Hannibal encircled and annihilated a larger Roman army.

Battle of Zama

The decisive Battle of Zama in 202 BC saw the Roman general Scipio Africanus defeat Hannibal, leading to the end of the war.

Consequences

The war ended with the Treaty of Lutatius, which imposed harsh terms on Carthage, including the loss of its fleet and overseas territories. Rome emerged as the dominant power in the western Mediterranean.

Legacy

The Second Punic War had a lasting impact on Roman military and political structures, influencing the future expansion of the Roman Empire.

See also

• First Punic War
• Third Punic War
• Hannibal
• Scipio Africanus

References

• Polybius, Histories
• Livy, Ab Urbe Condita

External links

• Second Punic War - Ancient History Encyclopedia