The Greatest Generals of the Second Punic War

Hannibal Barcas and Scipio Africanus have been compared often by many authors, but only a few have studied both in depth and even fewer have actually compared them in a fair and equal manner. In this Thesis I attempt to place both generals next to each other on three grounds: education, strategy and tactics. Very little is explicitly known about the first subject, but it's fair to say that both generals are very well trained when they recieve their position at the head of their army. Though Hannibal's study is aimed at being a general and nothing else, Scipio's is more aimed at becoming a political figure in ancient Rome, where public offices accompanied military ones. Strategically speaking there is a lot of confusion due to Rome and Carthage having different strategies than their generals. Despite this, Hannibal's and Scipio's plans are dominated by the lack of supplies, shaping and altering their ideas on winning the war. It has to be said that Hannibal has to contend with Rome...Show moreHannibal Barcas and Scipio Africanus have been compared often by many authors, but only a few have studied both in depth and even fewer have actually compared them in a fair and equal manner. In this Thesis I attempt to place both generals next to each other on three grounds: education, strategy and tactics. Very little is explicitly known about the first subject, but it's fair to say that both generals are very well trained when they recieve their position at the head of their army. Though Hannibal's study is aimed at being a general and nothing else, Scipio's is more aimed at becoming a political figure in ancient Rome, where public offices accompanied military ones. Strategically speaking there is a lot of confusion due to Rome and Carthage having different strategies than their generals. Despite this, Hannibal's and Scipio's plans are dominated by the lack of supplies, shaping and altering their ideas on winning the war. It has to be said that Hannibal has to contend with Rome from the start, making his road to victory a lot harsher and it begs questioning if it's fair to blame Hannibal for the power the structure of Rome's alliance. Finally tactically, the similiarities are obvious. Scipio has often been called a copycat, but unjustly so. Hannibal's envelopment tactic relies on him being on the defensive, whereas Scipio has to be on the offensive. This fundamental difference in style is easily overlooked. Based on these three aspects, it has to be said that a comparison between these two great generals has to be done with utmost care. Education is largely unknown field, due to the ancients themselves not exploring it. Strategic ideas are clouded by the aims of the cities themselves and underlying political territories they fight on. Most interesting of all is the tactical difference between them which begs for further exploration.Show less

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The Greatest Generals of the Second Punic War