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Hannibal: The Military Genius Who Almost Conquered Rome

Series: Hannibal: The Military Genius Who Almost Conquered Rome
5
(2)
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Episodes
15
Rating
TVPG
Year
2023
Language
English
Publisher
The Great Courses

About

While ancient history is full of larger-than-life figures, the famed Carthaginian military commander we know as Hannibal has taken on a particularly mythic quality. His story is woven together with hearsay, embellishment, and extremely limited source material. Nevertheless, Hannibal defined a critical period in Roman history-and ancient history, more broadly-plowing across the Italian peninsula with a cadre of foot soldiers, elite calvary, envoys, and even elephants. His army laid waste to many strategically important cities

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Episodes

1. The Phoenicians and the Rise of Carthage

36m

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What do we really know about Hannibal Barca, an ancient Carthaginian military commander shrouded in myth and mystery? Evaluate two key sources on Hannibal's life and career—Livy's work on the Second Punic War and Polybius's The Histories—before diving into the history of Hannibal's homeland, Carthage.

2. The First Punic War

35m

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Hannibal lived in the shadow of the Punic Wars, a century-long conflict involving Rome and his native Carthage. Investigate the complicated origins of the First Punic War. Explore Carthage's early failures from the loss of Agrigento to defeat at the Battle of Mylae. And examine each side's strengths, weaknesses, and imperial motivations at the start of the contest.

3. Hamilcar and the Rise of the Barcids

34m

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After a string of military losses, Carthage looked like it would fall to the Romans. Get to know Hannibal's father Hamilcar before delving into how Rome ultimately prevailed despite the elder Barcid's small but important victories. And explore the civil war that consumed Carthage between the First and Second Punic Wars.

4. Young Hannibal in Iberia, 237–221 BCE

33m

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What can be said about Hamilcar's expedition to Iberia and Hasdrubal the Fair's subsequent takeover of Iberia? How was young Hannibal primed for military service by an adolescence that was steeped in conquest? And why did the negotiations between Carthage and Rome fail to resolve the conflict between both powers? Dive into these questions and more.

5. Hannibal Takes Command, 221–218 BCE

33m

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Begin by exploring Hannibal's early years of military service, from how he cultivated troop loyalty to gaining the military victories that impressed and, in some cases, frightened his contemporaries. And wrap up by setting the scene for the Second Punic War, delving into the conflict over and subsequent sacking of Saguntum.

6. A New Hercules Prepares to Fight Rome

34m

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See how careful preparations, intelligence networks, sharp diplomacy, a diverse but well-governed army, and even dreams and Herculean legends helped Hannibal secure meaningful victories in the Second Punic War's early years. And consider Carthage's powerful army as it moved and fought its way toward Transalpine Gaul on the French coast.

7. Hannibal Crosses the Alps, 218 BCE

33m

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Hannibal is famous for crossing the treacherous Alps. See how the young general transported his soldiers—as well as a cadre of elephants—across the mighty Rhone River. Investigate the obstacles that faced Hannibal and his army throughout their mountainous journey. And take stock of the impact of Carthage's incredibly bold incursion into Italy.

8. First Victories: Ticinus and Trebbia

30m

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Where did Rome stand, by the time Hannibal arrived in Northern Italy? What do we make of the famed commander's impressive victory against powerful Roman forces and generals in Trebbia? And how was the skirmish—devastating for Rome, but great for Hannibal and Carthage—interpreted and explained by contemporaries? Tackle these questions and more.

9. The Romans Panic: Lake Trasimene, 217 BCE

32m

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Outmaneuvered and outflanked, the mood in Rome quickly soured. Follow Hannibal's diverse army of Nubian, Celtic, and Carthaginian men on their trek to Picenum, paying special attention to Hannibal's incredible ambush of Roman commander Flaminius and his army at Lake Trasimene. Then, focus on how Romans from different walks of life responded back home.

10. Cannae: Hannibal's Great Victory, 216 BCE

34m

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Follow Carthaginian troops as they hunkered down for the winter in Geronium only to reemerge stronger in the summer of 216 BCE. See how Rome's Fabian strategy of containment played out, zeroing in on especially "bullish" confrontation as an example. Break down the Battle of Cannae, a skirmish that cemented Hannibal's historic reputation.

Extended Details

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