HANNIBAL AND THE MARCH THROUGH THE ALPS (GREAT CAPTAINS)

His strategy was to strike directly at the heart of Rome … [he selected] terrain well and positioned himself in a way that almost secured victory

Hannibal Barca (247-183 BC) was a Carthaginian general at a time when the Roman Empire was growing in power and influence across the Mediterranean. Hannibal demonstrated his prowess as a tactical commander and strategic leader during the Second Punic War as he marched from the Iberian Peninsula, through the Pyrenees, Gaul, and the Alps, eventually reaching northern Italy. A string of victories–Trebia, Lake Trasimere, and Cannae–followed, but he was unable to approach Rome before having to retreat to his homeland. Despite his ultimate defeat in the Battle of Zama, Hannibal is considered one of the greatest commanders in military history. Hannibal’s story is presented by U.S. Army War College Professor of Strategic Landpower GK Cunningham. WAR ROOM Editor-in-Chief Andrew A. Hill moderates.

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GK Cunningham is Professor of Strategic Landpower at the U.S. Army War College. Andrew A. Hill is the WAR ROOM Editor-in-Chief. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense.

Image: Hannibal Barca crossing the Rhone, by Henri Motte (1846-1922).

Image Credit: From Wikimedia Commons, public domain.

Other Releases from the Great Captains series:

• KNOWING WHEN A WAR IS UNWINNABLE — GENERAL FREDERICK C. WEYAND
  (GREAT CAPTAINS)
• AN UNBEATEN ROMAN GENERAL: SCIPIO AFRICANUS (GREAT CAPTAINS)
• KNOW THY ENEMY: OSAMA BIN LADEN & RISE OF THE NON-STATE ACTOR (GREAT CAPTAINS)
• GEORGE C. MARSHALL & LEADING THE NATIONAL WAR EFFORT (GREAT CAPTAINS)
• THE PARTNERSHIP OF ROBERT E. LEE AND STONEWALL JACKSON (GREAT CAPTAINS)
• HANNIBAL AND THE MARCH THROUGH THE ALPS (GREAT CAPTAINS)
• WILLIAM T. SHERMAN: THE FIRST ‘MODERN’ GENERAL (GREAT CAPTAINS)
• GEORGE WASHINGTON: THE LESSONS OF FAILURE (GREAT CAPTAINS)
• GREAT CAPTAINS: COMMAND & THOSE WHO DID IT BEST