Who is Hannibal?

Hannibal, also known as Hannibal Barca, was an important figure during the Rise of Rome. "Hannibal" meant "joy of Baal" while "Barca" meant "lightning". This man was one of Rome's worst enemies. He was also known to be one of the greatest Carthaginian military generals. He lived from 247 BC to 183 BC although he didn't die from war with Rome, he died years after the war with Rome by committing suicide by ingesting poison. It is said that when Hannibal was young, his father took him to a temple and made him swear to hate the Romans forever. Hannibal definately lived up to his promise to his father and probably caused more infliction upon the Romans than his father might have expected. Hannibal led the Carthaginians across what is now Spain to create the beginning of the Second Punic War. Hannibal is known to be great because of his travel across the alps consisting of 50,000 troops, 6,000 horsemen and many elephants. Although losing the Second Punic War, Hannibal proceeded to win battles for 15 years.