A Formidable Opponent and a Self-made Handicap Produce Disaster for Rome
The second Punic War began in 218, and immediately after the onset of hostilities, Hannibal made his way across the Alps to the region the Romans called Cisalpine Gaul. His plan was to march down the Italian peninsula, defeat the Roman Army, turn the non-Roman Italians to his side, and force the Romans to surrender. Strategically innovative, a quick thinker tactically, and courageous in battle, Hannibal had all the attributes of a military genius. Even so, his personal ambition was placed above the goals of the Punic War Council, and he assumed that continuing victories would maintain support for him back home.
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