The Second Punic War , (218 - 202 av. J. - C.) is the second of the three conflicts (the Punic Wars) which opposed Rome to Carthage.

The great figures of this confrontation are famous. Carthaginian side, the general Hannibal Barca passed with its elephants the the Pyrenees, the the Rhone and the the Alps, and gained a series of victories over the Roman legions. Roman side, Scipion carried out decisive counter-attacks in Spain, then in Africa. Hannibal was finally beaten by Scipion the African with the Bataille of Zama.

Competition between Rome and Carthage in the Western Mediterranean

Rome benefits from the Guerre of the Mercenaries, which made rage three years lasting with Carthage hardly finished the First Punic War, to annex the Sardinia and the Corsica . It becomes a maritime great power.

The Carthaginians, on their side, extend quickly in the South from Spain, under the control of the Barcides (family of Barca, of which Hamilcar Barca and Hannibal Barca). With the fertile basin of Guadalquivir, the siver-bearing black leads of the Morena Sierra and Carthagène, and subjected natives but combative, this area is a corn tank, noble metals and appreciated soldiers. It gives again with Carthage its economic power, commercial and military.

This Carthaginian reinforcement worried Rome, and the party of the Aemilii and the Cornelii considered a new war to put a term at it.

Declaration of war (- 219)

The pretext of release was the seat in 219 before J.C of the city of Sagonte, allied of Rome, by the Punic ones. However, according to the treaty of 241 before J.C delimiting the respective zones of influence of the two rival powers, Rome should not have contracted alliance in the south of Ebre. It seems that Rome benefitted here from an inaccuracy of the treaty, and interpreted this clause by considering that the quoted river was not the Ebre running in the North of Spain, but a coastal Fleuve located at the South of Sagonte. In this case, it is obviously Carthage which was in wrong. This artifice allowed Rome not parjurer, and to maintain the peace of the gods. Tite-Live presents thus the catch of Sagonte like an aggression deliberated on Hannibal against the Roman interests.

Countryside of Hannibal (- 218-216)

Forwarding to arrive to Italy

Initially, Hannibal establishes a deposit of reserves close to Tarragone, in Spain. It prepares an army of 50.000 infantrymen, 9.000 riders and 37 elephants (60 000 infantrymen and 11.000 riders according to Polybe). Carthaginian naval inferiority obliges it to choose a terrestrial way to attack the Italy. In spring 218 av. J. - C., it begins walk on Rome through the the Pyrenees.

The Celtic tribes are neutral to the valley of the the Rhone. But those of the valley of the Rhone, faithful to Rome, badger its army which must move away from the coast to avoid Marseilles. Hannibal loses 12.000 infantrymen and 1000 riders.

On its side, Rome had worked out a plan of countryside, with however reduced manpower:

• two legion S and of the auxiliary Troops (approximately 25.000 men), under the command of the Tib consul. Sempronius Longus, were to benefit from the Roman naval superiority to unload in Africa and to attack Carthage directly.
• Publius Cornelius Scipion would lead a mission of interception, with same manpower: on the basis of Pisa, it sails towards the Gaulle to try to prevent Hannibal from penetrating in Italy.

But the revolt of Gallic Boïens in recently subjected Cisalpine and which hopes for the arrival of the Carthaginians delays the mobilization of the troops of Scipion.

The meeting of the Roman forces and Carthaginians as a Gaulle is limited to a fixing of detachments of cavalry sent in recognition. Hannibal surprises while passing by the Alps. To cross the the Alps at mid-October, under the harassing of the autochtones, whereas the first snows of the autumn fall, appears terribly testing: 25 elephants die there, during the 9 days of rise and the 6 days of descent (18 days in all, if one follows Tite-Live), and two others die a few days afterwards. (According to other sources, elephants survived at least until the Bataille of Trébie). After five months of way, it is an exhausted army which arrives in Italy, accommodated well by the Gallic ones: 20000 infantrymen and 6.000 riders.

Rome is forced to revise its plan of operation:

• Publius Cornelius Scipion must turn back with Marseilles with part of sound armed, the other part sailing towards Spain under the command of his/her brother, Gnaeus Cornelius Scipio Calvus.
• the army of the Consul Sempronius returns from Sicily where it stationed.

Victories of Hannibal

Publius Cornelius Scipion, of return in Italy, crosses Po in October (where it loses an eye) 218 av J. - C. to face Hannibal. It is the Bataille of Tessin, during which the Romans are demolished.

Hannibal continues its walk. The armies of Sempronius and Publius Cornelius Scipion operate their junction, and again face Hannibal, the December 25th 218 av J. - C., to try to stop its projection. It is the battles of Trébie, a terrible defeat for the Romans: they lose at least 20.000 men. Victorious Hannibal receives the rallying of many Gallic, which supplements its manpower.

In 217 before JC Hannibal penetrates in Étrurie, a new army of four legions, led by the Consul Roman Flaminius between concerned. But it falls, on June 21st 217 before J. - C., in a trap: on the edges of the lake Trasimène (Traesinum?), the army of Hannibal emerges from the fogs and surprises the Roman army in functioning order. The Romans lose from 15.000 to 20.000 legionaries, massacred or drowned, Flaminius is killed; Hannibal does as many prisoners.

This year 217, only Roman success comes from Spain: Gnaeus Cornelius Scipio Calvus destroyed there the reserves of Hannibal.

Fabius Cunctator and Cannes

Hannibal releases its Italian prisoners, hoping to cause other rallyings of people submitted to the Romans, but in vain. It continues its walk towards the South, cash on alliances with the Apuliens and the Lucaniens.

In front of gravity of defeat of Trasimène, Comices centuriates name dictator Fabius Maximus called Cunctator, Timer , which then applies a strategy of wear, according to displacements of Hannibal which plunders the Campanie and the Samnium, while avoiding direct confrontation.

In 216, the command returns normally to two consuls. The Consul Varron, against the opinion of the consul Paul Emile decides on a confrontation with Cannes, on August 2nd 216. Tactical skill of Hannibal at a rate of the Roman numerical superiority. According to the sources, from 45.000 to 60.000 Roman and allied legionaries perish, on a manpower of 86.000, at the conclusion of this confrontation which counts among largest of the Antiquity, and which remains the greatest defeat of the Romans. 10.000 prisoners should be added, and the death of Paul Emile and 80 senators. The Carthaginian losses are situraient between 5700 and 8000 men according to the same sources, for 50.000 committed men.

The extent of the Roman defeat involves the defection of the Apulie, of the Samnium, the Lucanie and the Bruttium. The loss of such a great number of senators will have also consequences on the Roman Société. With autumn 216, Capoue opens with the Carthaginians, and Hannibal takes its winter quarters there. But if these defectors supply his army, they are not decided to take share with the war at its sides. It is celebrates it episode known as of the " delights of Capoue". Hannibal awaits reinforcements, but it can take control neither Naples, neither of Brindisi, nor of Rhegium, ports where cling the Roman garrisons. The Carthaginian fleet which in addition fears the Roman warships cannot convey reinforcements to him.

Stagnation in Italy - Alliances and seats (215-209)

Rome is protected effectively by the Latium, the Ombrie, the Étrurie remained faithful. The considerable human losses are compensated by new liftings near the allied cities, and even by enrôlement of slaves voluntary and freed for the occasion. These inexperienced troops do not make it possible to engage an offensive. Fabius Cunctator, consul in 215 then in 214, locks the passages between the Campanie and Latium. The war in Italy becomes a war of position, the exit of the conflict will decide on other theaters of operations.

In -215, in Carthage, Magon, brother of Hannibal, obtains many troops and from the money, but it must take the way of Spain to join Hasdrubal. Carthaginians unload in Sardinia, discounting an indigenous rising against the Romans, but they are destroyed. Only a small quota come from Carthage with some elephants can accost the Italian coast with Locres into 215, and join Hannibal.

First War Macedonian

Hannibal employs the diplomacy, and in spring 215 valley an alliance with Philippe V of Macedonia. Informed by chance by the capture of the emissary Macedonians, the Romans block any attempt at unloading Macedonian with a squadron of 50 ships based with Brindisi. Philippe V, deprived of fleet of war, is tiny room to waiting of a Carthaginian naval intervention, which will never come. This war Macedonian is incidental clause in the second Punic War. Philippe V does not manage to seize the Roman positions of Dyrrachium and Apollonia on the coast illyrienne, while the Romans put it in difficulty on its backs, by being combined with the Ligue étolienne in 212 with the help of a Roman naval support, then with the Greek cities of Sparte, Messène and Elis in 211, and even with Attale Ier king of Pergame in 209. When in 205, the Carthaginian failure was obvious, the Roman Senate and Philippe V signed peace.

Syracuse

In Sicily, the Carthaginian diplomacy makes rock Syracuse in its camp Whereas Hiéron II was a faithful ally of Rome, its grandson Hiéronyme, heir to the throne, advised by his/her two uncles, prefers to approach the Carthaginians. However, the scandalous control of Hiéronyme causes a sedition and he is assassinated in 214. This involves disorders in the city and finally, all the royal family is massacred. The Carthaginians benefit from it to take the control of the city and, from there, to try to reconquer Sicily. The takeover is carried out rather by diplomatic channel, while turning over alliances, that by military combat.

The consul Marcus Claudius Marcellus does not manage to restore alliance with Syracuse by the negotiation, and in spring 213 begins the head office of Syracuse. In same time, a Carthaginian army of 25.000 men and 3.000 riders unload in Sicily, ordered by Himilcon. It occupies Agrigente, but cannot make raise the head office of Syracuse. An epidemic decimates then its army. The Carthaginian fleet supplies several Syracuse times, but turns over each time towards Carthage, fearing a naval action with the fleet of Roman war.

In 211, Marcellus finishes, after a long seat and many adventures by taking again the most famous Syracuse, most beautiful and of the Greek cities , which it partially delivers to plundering. The large scientist Archimedes is, according to a legend brought back by TIte-Live, killed during the bag by a soldier who did not know it whereas it was contemplating geometrical figures in sand. All the works of art of the city, public or pertaining to private individuals, are transferred to Rome.

The Romans make sure fidelity of their sicilian allies tried by an alliance with Carthage by various means, including by the “preventive” massacre of the inhabitants of Enna: Then one égorgea inhabitants of Enna parked in the theater. Thus one kept Enna: I do not know if it were a dreadful crime or an essential measurement. .

Tarente

At the time of winter 213/212, Tarente opens its doors with Hannibal. However the Roman garrison cut off in the citadel locks the access of the port. Hannibal finally manages to give itself an access to the sea, while seizing the coastal cities close to Métaponte, Héraclée and Thourioi. If the punic fleet manages to embark the troops of Philippe V of Macedonia, it will be able to unload them in Italy of the South. But with 211, the fleet of Bomilcar supplies last besieged Syracuse once and is satisfied to block the citadel of Tarente, remaining with the variation of the Roman fleet of Brindisi.

Capoue

Benefitting from the fixing of Hannibal on Tarente, the Romans regain a footing in Campania and besiege Capoue first once in 212, but Hannibal the bldg. In 211, they take again their blockade, that Hannibal cannot break. This last then tries a raid of diversion while moving on Rome with its cavalry. No force interposes, the Romans always refuse a frontal arranged battle.

Hannibal AD carried (" Hannibal is with our portes") bring back Tite-Live. The Senate hastens to organize the defense of the city behind its walls. The cavalry of Hannibal camps close to Rome, but for lack of machines of seat, it must turn back towards Italy of the south.

The Romans did not raise their seat around Capoue: the diversion of Hannibal failed. Capoue capitulates into 211. In punishment of its treason towards Rome, all its grounds are confiscated and attached to the Ager publicus. Lastly, in 209, Fabius Cunctator re-occupies Tarente. Repression is more severe than in Capoue: Tarente is plundered, and 30.000 inhabitants are sold like slaves.

Scipions in Spain (218-206)

Roman offensive in Spain

The brothers Gnaeus Cornelius Scipio Calvus and Publius Cornelius Scipion had evaluated the importance of Spain well. They there go and gain into 217 a naval victory with the mouth of Ebre, then take again Sagonte. They prevent Hasdrubal from joining his/her Hannibal brother, and cause into 215 a war of the king numide Syphax against the Carthaginians.

But in 212, Hasdrubal, the brother of Hannibal, Syphax subjects, and three Carthaginian armies pass to Spain. The Scipions brothers are beaten and killed in 211 av J.C, the Roman forces beat a retreat on Ebre.

In Rome, the young person Cornelius Publius Scipion, wire of Cornelius Publius Scipion, which will become known under the name of Scipion the African enters then on the scene. Though not having never been consul, it obtains a capacity proconsulaire for Spain in 210. In 209, it takes the port of Carthagène, with the war treasure and the hostages ibères held by the Carthaginians. The release of these hostages makes it possible to gain the support of people ibères against Carthage (see the episode of the chief ibère Allutius). In 208, Scipion faces Hasdrubal with Baecula, which manages in spite of its losses to bore in Northern direction it to join his/her brother.

Forwarding of help of Hasdrubal

Hasdrubal leaves Spain with an army of: 60000 men, and takes its winter quarters as a Gaulle. In spring 207, Hasdrubal is in Italy loan to operate its junction with Hannibal in the South of Italy. Very boldly, the consul Caius Claudius Néron leaves a curtain of troops in front of Hannibal, goes back to North with his best legions to join the other consul Livius Salinator. Both meet and destroy the army of Hasdrubal at the time of the Bataille of Métaure. Hasdrubal dies in the battle, it is decapitated once its retouvé body. The consul Caius Claudius Néron hastens to return to his camp and makes throw the head of Hasdrubal in front of the camp of Hannibal.

The following year in 206, Scipion goes to Africa to the court of king Numide Syphax, to conclude a treaty. Later it is combined with the numide Massinissa which in Spain fought with the Carthaginians. Massinissa turns over to the Carthaginians, but alliance with the Romans will bear its fruits later when Scipion carries out the war in Africa. Whereas Hasdrubal Gisgo already passed to Africa with the remainders of its army, Scipion beats the last Carthaginian forces ordered by Magon in Ilipa, and seizes Gades (Cadiz), completing the conquest of Carthaginian Spain. Magon flees with the fleet towards the Balearic Islands. From there it unloads into 205 with 12.000 men in the gulf of Genoa. Magon seizes the city and tries to draw up the Ligures and the Gaulois against the Romans. Although he manages to attract himself the friendship of these people like that of the Etrusques, he does not succeed in generating a general rising. The Roman armies frighten too these people. In 203, the praetor Publius Quinctilius Varus and the proconsul Marcus Cornelius Cethegus fight battle to Magon on the territory of the Gallic Insubres. The battle is dubious until Magon is wounded with the thigh. The Carthaginians and their allies which had dared to face the Romans flee. With the favor of the night, Magon takes refuge at the Ligurians. There he is recalled by Carthage and must leave Italy with his army. He was to help his fatherland against Scipion. But, during the way Magon dies of its wound.

Outcome in Africa (205-201)

Returned of Spain covered of glory, Scipion is candidate with the election as consul for 205, though it does not have the lawful age. Its program is a forwarding in Africa on the territory of Carthage. In spite of the opposition of Fabius, the Senate grants the government of Sicily and two legions to him. Scipion devotes year 205 and the beginning of 204 to supplement its manpower, calling even upon volunteers - exceptional form of recruitment at the time - and to prepare his forwarding. The big event of 205 will be the conclusion of a peace of status quo with Philippe V of Macedonia.

Scipion unloads close to Carthage in 204. Its beginnings are hard: it fails to take Utique and must winter on a headland of the coast between Utique and Carthage. The following year in 203, it beats a Carthaginian army and the king numide Syphax. It is combined with another king numide Massinissa and captures Syphax in June. Carthage feels that the war is lost and negotiates with Scipion. It accepts the conditions that it imposes to him:

• evacuation of the Carthaginian forces present in Italy and a Gaulle cisalpine
• abandonment of Spain
• transfer of its fleet, except 20 ships
• payment of an allowance of 5.000 talent S

While the Carthaginian ambassadors will make to Rome ratify this treaty by the Roman Sénat, Hannibal and Magon leave Italy with their armies into 203. In Rome even, the political adversaries of Scipion which reproach him for having taken the initiative to decide only conditions of the capitulation of Carthage make trail the talks in length, and peace is not signed yet into 202. At this point in time a minor incident breaks the truce: crossed of its back-country, Carthage is famished. A ship of Roman supply in perdition is hailed. The conflict starts again.

The meeting held on the two armies takes place with the Bataille of Zama into 202, the Romans, inferiors of number but helped of the cavalry numide of Masinissa, gain the victory over the Carthaginians. To honor its victory, the Romans add the nickname Africanus in the name of Scipion, consequently become Scipion the African. New conditions of peaces are imposed on Carthage, harder still than the preceding ones:

• abandonment of Spain and the Balearic Islands
• transfer of its fleet, except 10 ships
• payment of an allowance of 10.000 talent S, over 50 years
• prohibition of any military action without the approval of Rome

Analyzes Roman success

Rome gained against Hannibal, that the history puts at the row large strategists and fine tacticians. It remained 15 years on the Roman ground, without being able to bring Rome to the capitulation. Among the reasons of Roman success, one can quote:

• the refusal of the Roman political community to admit itself ever overcome, even if it divided on the strategy to adopt, offensive or defensive
• Roman capacity of recruitment, filling its losses constantly, mobilizing to 25 legions, at the price of a pressure exhausting on its allies
• the maritime control, which made it possible to keep the contact with the army sent in Spain, while the punic fleet never dared a naval confrontation. This control ensured also its supply to him out of corn from Sicily, Sardinia and Spain, like its diplomatic contacts with the adversaries of Philippe V
• the fidelity of the allied people surrounding Rome of a protective glacis and majority of the wearing of Italy of the South.

Carthage engaged many important forces on several occasions, and tied dangerous alliances for Rome, but it could not carry out an effective coordination of its means, fault of controlling its connections with Hannibal and Philippe V.

Anecdotes

• After the disaster of Cannes in 216, in order to alleviate the gods, the Romans practiced (only case known in their long story) a human sacrifice: a couple the Gallic one and a couple of Greeks were walled alive in a stone enclosure which had already been used before for human sacrifices, so contrary with the Roman religion )
• In 204 av. J. - C., with most extremely of the war, Romans, obeying a prophecy of the Sibylline Livres, and to a oracle of Delphes, sent ambassadors to Pessinonte: they were in charge of a delicate mission, to bring back to Rome the crowned stone which represented Cybèle because it was to bring the victory to them.
• the author of science fiction Poul Anderson imagines in the Patrol of time a world where the Carthaginians gained the Second Punic War. Dominant civilizations took a purely maritime orientation, and the forever existed Roman Empire. The origin of this deterioration is the death of the Scipions to the Bataille of Trébie.

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