General Hannibal of Carthage is often called the "Father of Strategy." His march over the Alps is one of the most famous attacks in military history. Hannibal defeated the Roman Army many times, until his defeat to Scipio, a Roman general, in 202 BC. Hannibal is important to history because of his skillful battle tactics. He was one of the best generals of ancient times. Because of his tactics, he was able to defeat Roman armies on many occasion. He was not only a good leader, but also a good government official. He led the Carthage government after Carthage's defeat in the second Punic war.

Hannibal was born 247 BC, the son of Hamilcar Barca, a General of the Carthaginian Army. Hannibal's training as a military leader began at the age of nine when he traveled to Spain to be with his father. At Hamilcar's request, Hannibal pledged an oath of hatred towards the Roman Empire. The oath was in response to Carthage's loss to the Romans in the First Punic War (261-241 BC). After Hamilcar's death in 228 BC, Hannibal's brother in law, Hasdrubal, assumed command of the Carthaginian Army. Hasdrubal lead the army for seven years until his assassination in 2

After Rome declared war, Hannibal developed a plan of attack. He evaded a Roman force that was sent to intercept him by crossing the Rhone river in October of 218 BC. After he crossed the Rhone, he started the journey that would make him famous. Snow had already fallen on the high passes when Hannibal started his march across the Alps with 40,000 men along with a Calvary and a large number of war elephants to carry supplies. After the crossing only 26,000 of his troops were still alive due to the harsh weather and skirmishes with the local tribes. To make up for his losses, Hannibal recruited Gallic people of Northern Italy.

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Many historians argue that Hannibal's biggest mistake was not attacking Rome after this victory. They say he should have attacked Rome when it was in this weak state, and he was so powerful. Hannibal continued to wage war in southern Italy for several years. He captured Tarentum in 213 BC, and in 210 BC Hannibal lost many men in a battle at Herdoniae. In 212 BC, Syracuse fell under a Roman seige and finally fell three years later in 209 BC. Hannibal was called to Carthage in 203 BC to help defend his brother's army from the Romans in southern Spain. Unknown to Hannibal, the Romans planned on him going back to Carth

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