Courses

Few military leaders have shaped history like Hannibal Barca of Carthage, who fought the Roman Empire from the time he was a teenager. In one of the most daring campaigns of the ancient world, he led his army—including war elephants—across the Alps from North Africa to strike at the heart of Rome during the Second Punic War (218–201 BCE). His victories at Trebia, Trasimene, and Cannae showcased his brilliance and cemented his reputation as one of history’s greatest military minds, with tactics that shaped warfare for centuries. Yet despite his mastery on the battlefield, he ultimately lost. Why? This course explores Hannibal’s strategies, Rome’s response, and the war’s lasting impact. We will analyze key battles, firsthand accounts, and historical texts from Polybius, Livy, and Appian to explore how Rome’s resilience and political maneuvering in the face of Hannibal’s genius led to Carthage’s decline and Rome’s rise as a Mediterranean superpower. Discussions will also consider how later generals—from Napoleon to Patton and Schwarzkopf—drew lessons from Hannibal’s campaigns. Students will gain insight into ancient warfare, leadership, and the shifting balance of power that shaped the classical world.