# Hannibal

> Carthaginian general (247–183/181 BC)

**Wikidata**: [Q36456](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q36456)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannibal)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hannibal

## Summary
Hannibal was a renowned Carthaginian general and politician who lived between 247 and 183/181 BC. He is most famous for his role as a military leader for Ancient Carthage, specifically for leading their forces against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.

## Biography
- **Born:** 247 BC
- **Nationality:** Carthaginian (Ancient Carthage)
- **Known for:** Military leadership during the Second Punic War and the Barcid conquest of Hispania.
- **Employer(s):** Ancient Carthage; Seleucid Empire (during the Roman–Seleucid War).
- **Field(s):** Military Strategy, Government, and Politics.

## Contributions
Hannibal led several major military campaigns and held significant political influence during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. He commanded the Barcid conquest of Hispania and was the primary military leader for Ancient Carthage during the Second Punic War (218–201 BCE). Later, he contributed his military expertise to the Seleucid Empire during the Roman–Seleucid War (192–188 BCE). As a politician, he held positions within the Carthaginian government, influencing the administration of the Phoenician city-state and empire.

## FAQs
**What major conflicts was Hannibal involved in?**
Hannibal was a central figure in the Second Punic War (218–201 BCE) against Rome and the Barcid conquest of Hispania in the 3rd century BC. He also participated in the Roman–Seleucid War between 192 and 188 BCE, fighting against the Roman Republic on behalf of the Seleucid Empire.

**What are the different names and titles associated with Hannibal?**
He is known by many aliases, including Hannibal Barca, Hannibal the Barcid, and Ḥannibaʿl. Historical records also identify him as the "son of Hamilcar" and use variations such as Annibale, Gannibal, Annibal, Annibas, and Hanibal.

**How is Hannibal recognized in modern times and by his peers?**
In his era, he was honored as an "illustrious son," a distinction granted by his place of birth for his service. In the modern era, his tactical legacy is referenced by the "Hannibal Directive," a specific military protocol used by the Israeli Defense Forces.

## Why They Matter
Hannibal is considered one of the most influential military leaders in human history. His leadership of Ancient Carthage during the Second Punic War posed the greatest threat the Roman Republic ever faced, fundamentally altering the course of Mediterranean history. His strategic innovations were so impactful that his name is still utilized in modern military terminology, such as the Hannibal Directive. Furthermore, his dual role as a politician and general illustrates the interconnected nature of government and warfare in the ancient Phoenician empire.

## Notable For
*   **Military Command:** Led Carthaginian forces in the Second Punic War (218–201 BCE).
*   **Conquest of Hispania:** Directed the Barcid military campaigns in Hispania during the 3rd century BC.
*   **Political Leadership:** Served as a prominent politician in the government of Ancient Carthage.
*   **Honorary Distinction:** Recognized as an "illustrious son" by his home city.
*   **Seleucid Affiliation:** Served as a military leader during the Roman–Seleucid War (192–188 BCE).

## Body
### Identity and Early Origins
Hannibal (247–183/181 BC) was a member of the species Homo sapiens and a citizen of Ancient Carthage, a Phoenician city-state and empire with an inception date of approximately 814 BC. He is frequently identified in historical texts as the son of Hamilcar and is known by the surname Barca or the epithet "the Barcid." His name appears in various linguistic forms, including Ḥannibaʿl, Annibale, Gannibal, Annibal, Annibas, and Hanibal.

### Military Career and Major Wars
Hannibal’s primary historical role was that of a military leader who commanded troops in several era-defining conflicts:
*   **Barcid conquest of Hispania:** A 3rd-century BC military campaign that expanded Carthaginian influence.
*   **Second Punic War (218–201 BCE):** The pivotal conflict between the Roman Republic and Carthage where Hannibal served as the lead general.
*   **Roman–Seleucid War (192–188 BCE):** A later conflict where Hannibal aligned with the Seleucid Empire against the Roman Republic.

### Political and Civic Life
In addition to his military duties, Hannibal was a politician who sought and held positions within the Carthaginian government. His contributions to his state were recognized with the title of "illustrious son," an honor distinction granted to individuals who bring significant credit to their place of birth.

### Modern Legacy and Influence
The impact of Hannibal's military philosophy persists into the contemporary era. The "Hannibal Directive," a military protocol employed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), is named in reference to him. His life and career remain a subject of intense study, reflected in his high sitelink count of 138 across various knowledge platforms and his association with major historical entities like the Seleucid Empire and the Roman Republic.

## References

1. Dictionary of African Biography
2. Source
3. [Dictionary of African Biography](http://www.oxfordreference.com/abstract/10.1093/acref/9780195382075.001.0001/acref-9780195382075-e-1222?rskey=iyYaAG&result=1224)
4. [Source](https://tufas.palma.cat/system/documents/attachments/000/000/027/original/51ef57c395415b6dc808842654d4327368bbc4c4.pdf)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. BBC Things
8. CERL Thesaurus
9. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
10. Enciclopedia Treccani
11. [LIBRIS. 2015](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/fcrtxkhz0844cvz)
12. Dizionario di Storia
13. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Hannibal-ZDG4)
14. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
15. HMML Authority File