HANNIBAL'S DEFEAT TO ROME

Hannibal (247-183/181 BC), a Carthaginian leader regarded as one of the greatest generals in history, lost to the Romans in the Second Punic War (218-201 BC) following years of campaigning against his northern rival. As a result of the loss, Carthage lost its overseas territories, including Hispania, becoming a rump state in what is now Tunisia. Hannibal’s defeat in the war ultimately tipped the balance of power in the Mediterranean to Rome. In time, Rome extended total control over the region, especially after it obliterated Carthage in the Third Punic War (149-146 BC). That conflict occurred after Roman politician Cato the Censor famously demanded “Carthago delenda est” (Carthage must be destroyed).