Rome Versus Carthage Part 8

This piece of writing was based on the Roman Republic which was recommended by a friend for something to draw and write about. This post is an analysis of the Punic War, - Rome vs. Carthage, and how the generals fought the battles. The Second Punic War was a make-or-break moment for the Roman Republic, which was a very difficult time for Rome. The Carthaginian General Hannibal outmaneuvered the Roman Army- even with less men and left the Republic with a major defeat.

Leadership and Command:

Ancient battles weren’t very flexible due to the limited ability of the general to make changes in the middle of battles. Much of the battle was decided by the Generals before the battle started. The Romans were hampered by Hannibal’s surprise attack: it being a major victory for the Carthaginians. The Carthaginians drilled the army and were led by a Centurion who was the major leader. The leadership and command of Rome included Scipio: who was the Roman’s, genius, general: and Carthage’s leadership included Hannibal and his brothers.

Rome’s leadership and command were very effective, and they communicated with very effective messages that included pre-arranged signals for Lake-Trasimene. The Romans said that: “led by a system of dynastic expansion when the opportunity offered, with a senatorial class that was in thrall to the example of personal glory and honor. ” (Cambell 27.) The Roman believed in constantly expanding the Roman Empire up until 250-350 BCE which was at the very end- right before the fall. Hannibal’s ambush was a major failure of the Roman military and government. It killed large numbers of Roman citizens- killing 20% of all the military aged men in the Roman Empire.  The command of the Roman army included: two legions and two alae: which had two consuls which could command on alternate days. They each had individual legions, and they fell with their leadership being tribunes at Cannae. Each individual religion was altered by a mirror with their allies. The centurions led the Romans to a small victory. They projected authority and confidence by their presence on the field. The Roman Commanders had a set color of their armor, cloaks, senior officers and centurions which relied on common features. The Carthaginian strategy was important as they fought Scipio, a Brilliant Roman general.

The Carthaginians had a brilliant general named Hannibal who led Carthage to the brink of greatness: almost completely destroying the Roman Empire. In Ancient battles, most of the work was done before the battle started because there was limited ability to command troops once the battle started but there was some ability to do it. – Assembling armies, gaining allies, drilling the army, planning campaigns and developing the troops. Other major Carthaginian leaders include Hasdrubal and Mago.  Hasdrubal and Mago were Hannibal’s brothers, and they were part of the top of Carthaginian leadership.

The Carthaginians were ruled by Hannibal- his father and his brothers- it was a family dynasty. The Romans were ruled by the Republic and were led by the brilliant General Scipio. The Carthaginians destroyed Rome in a surprise attack damaging Rome and causing major reforms. Rome had lots of grit and was always able to get up and fight on- they had lots of grit. The Generals in the Punic wars were some of the bests of all time and they led major reforms that are still studied in military academies even today.

Citations

Cambell, D. (2018a). Roman Legionary Versus Carthaginian Warrior. Osprey Publishing.