The second Punic war

The second Punic war started by Hannibal a valiant general who loved Carthage as much as he hated Rome.He had a great plan: he wanted to cross the Alps, make the Italian population rebel against Rome and defeat it.He started with great energy to realize his dream.
In 218, facing great difficulties and losing many soldiers, he crossed the Alps, invaded the Po valley and helped by Gaul warriors he defeated two Roman armies.Then he reached Central Italy, where he destroyed a third army.
But would the Italian population join HAnnibal against Rome? That would have been decisive for Hannibal. But most Italians stood by Rome. Hannibal destroyed their fields to force them to change idea. Rome sought a decisive battle but was defeated at Cannae and again at Apulia in 216.

Battle of Cannae scheme
I Phase
Hannibal attacks with the light infantry.

II Phase
The roman legions drive back Hannibal's light infantry but they have to face a heavy infantry yet untired.
Asdrubal with the iberic and gallic cavalry drives back the roman cavalry and attacks on the allied side, lending a helping hand to the numidic cavalry.

III Phase
While the numidic cavalry followed in persuit, Hannibal finished encircling the roman infantry.

Battle of Cannae scheme
	I Phase Hannibal attacks with the light infantry.
	II Phase The roman legions drive back Hannibal's light infantry but they have to face a heavy infantry yet untired. Asdrubal with the iberic and gallic cavalry drives back the roman cavalry and attacks on the allied side, lending a helping hand to the numidic cavalry.
	III Phase While the numidic cavalry followed in persuit, Hannibal finished encircling the roman infantry.

After the battle of Cannae, the Romans did not surrender. With incredible efforts they armed other soldiers. A young general Publio Cornelio Scipione was elected consul.
In order to force Hannibal to leave Italy he transfered the war to Africa. So, Hannibal was called back to Carthage. The decisive battle took place near Carthage, at Zama (202 b.C.). It was the end for Hannibal and also for Carthage.