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Carthaginian Cavalry at the Battle of Cannae

 

            The topic about what began the Second Punic War has been discussed by many Historians. Polybius and Livy, the main authorities, in regards to the battle differ in their opinion about what exactly initiated battle between Rome and Carthage. Before the start of the Second Punic War, Carthage had recently faced defeat in the Sicilian War. Hamilcar Barca had not come to terms with his defeat. Polybius notes: His spirit remained unbowed after the Sicilian War; he remained imprisoned and watched out for a chance to attack. Hamilcar's best efforts would have been directed towards restarting war with Rome and ensuring that it would happen. As a result of their defeat, Carthaginian power began to decline and the Romans took advantage of this opportunity. That action is depicted in this quote from Adrian Goldsworthy, "However, in the closing stages of the rebellion, they seized Sardinia and threatened a renewal of war if Carthage resisted." The Roman action was blatantly cynical and emphasized just how far Carthaginian power had declined since their defeat. As time went on and command of the Carthaginian army was passed along to Hasdrubal, and then Hannibal, they continued their siege against Rome. .
             The two felt the same hate towards Rome that their predecessor had felt. Gregory Daly states, "The facts themselves bear this out, because it was thanks to Hamilcar that both Hasdrubal (who was married to his daughter) and Hannibal (his son) became lifelong, fanatical enemies of Rome. "5 Hannibal would eventually break an agreement made between Hasdrubal and the Romans and make advances at an ally of Rome named Saguntum. The Romans took notice of this taking place and sent representatives to Carthage with warnings. In 220 B.C., with Hannibal in charge Carthage enacted an assault against Saguntum. Quoted from Livy, "Meanwhile, Hannibal took to the field and advanced from New Carthage towards Saguntum.
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            


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