Commander of the Carthaginian attack on Rome in the Second Punic War from 218-201BC. Born in 247BC, Hannibal fought a constant battle against Rome. In 218 BC he marched on Italy across the Alps on elephants, braving trecherous terrain and guerrilla attacks. Hannibal's troops ravaged Italian resistance, however, his fighting strength began to stretch thin and in 203BC he abandoned Italy. Despite the treaty between Carthage and Rome, Hannibal continued agitating against Rome. When the Romans were finally able to obtain Hannibal's surrender, the great military leader poisoned himself. The year is thought to be 183.
