HIEU 322 - Reflection Essay - The Second Punic War

The Second Punic War was fought from 218 B.C. to 201 B.C. between Carthage and Rome as a possible result of deep seated hatred that remained from the dissatisfied results of the First Punic War. This paper will focus on the written accounts of two historical writers; Titus Livy and Polybius. In contrasting and comparing their accounts for the origins and causes of the Second Punic War, it is interesting to note each author comes from a different background. Livy did not have political ties leaving him without access to many official records and spared from undue influence. Polybius was the son of a statesman and attempted to record history as it happened for the benefit of those studying history. Both writers understood the value of studying history for the progress of society. Differences and similarities exist within the accounts of both historians for the origins and causes of the war. Causes versus Origins for the Second Punic War Both authors share commons beliefs based on their account for the causes and origins of the second war. At the end of the First Punic War, many Carthaginians believed Rome had treated Carthage unfairly. Both Polybius and Livy elude to the attitude of indignation by the Carthaginians towards Rome. According to Polybius, this is largely because Carthage lost Sardinia and other indemnities with Spain immediately after the First Punic War to include large amounts of monetary restitution because Rome refused to negotiate.1 Livy records Hamilcar as extremely prideful, viewing Carthage as giving up too easily to the Romans and their demands costing them Sardinia.2 Because of this treatment, Hamilcar, father of Hannibal, bestowed his 1 Founded by JAMES LOEB 1911 Edited by JEFFREY HENDERSON, “The Histories of Polybius, Book III, Section 6-15, 17, 20-22, 29-30,” Loeb Classical Library, accessed March 18, 2022, Sec. 10, p. 29. 2 Founded by JAMES LOEB 1911 Edited by JEFFREY HENDERSON, “Book XXI: Book 21: Chapter 1-63,” Loeb Classical Library, accessed March 18, 2022, 2 hatred and indignation upon his son. Hamilcar encouraged Hannibal at nine years old to take an oath against all of Rome. Hannibal’s father led him by hand to an altar to touch a victim of Rome, swearing to never be a friend of the Romans.3 Livy’s account varies in the account by Hannibal having to touch sacred objects and swear an oath to be an enemy of Rome at the earliest opportunity.4 From that day forth, Hannibal’s sole purpose was to affect his oath as soon as feasibly possible. Hannibal’s resentment of Rome was also fueled by the unjust actions of Rome when called to arbitrate a disputed matter at Saguntum. According to Polybius, Hannibal accused Rome of unjustly putting some of the leading men to death to settle the dispute. Polybius records Hannibal as saying that the Romans’ time was short and that “The Carthaginians would not overlook this violation of good faith for it was from of old the principle of Carthage never to neglect the cause of the victims of injustice.”5 Hannibal’s served as a commander of soldiers for his father for three years, which was part of the process to eventually oppose Rome. Livy portrayed Hannibal as a commander without vice or virtues, willing to do whatever it took to complete the mission.6 Hannibal maintained a close relationship with common soldiers by eating the same food, sleeping on the ground with them, and dressing like them. Upon the death of Hamilcar, Hannibal was the clear choice of the soldiers to succeed his father. Hannibal was immediately carried into the general’s tent, where the men all noisily and unanimously acclaimed him commander, followed by the endorsement of the common people.7 Polybius stated that 3 Founded by JAMES LOEB 1911 Edited by JEFFREY HENDERSON, “The Histories of Polybius, Book III, Section 6-15, 17, 20-22, 29-30,” Loeb Classical Library, accessed March 18, 2022, Sec. 11, p. 31. 4 Founded by JAMES LOEB 1911 Edited by JEFFREY HENDERSON, “Book XXI: Book 21: Chapter 1-63,” Loeb Classical Library, accessed March 18, 2022, 5 Ibid. Polybius. Sec. 15, p. 41. 6 Ibid. Livy. Ch. 4, pp. 11, 13. 7 Founded by JAMES LOEB 1911 Edited by JEFFREY HENDERSON, “Book XXI: Book 21: Chapter 1-63,” Loeb Classical Library, accessed March 18, 2022, 3 Hannibal, wishing to give the Romans no avowed pretext for war, began to secure all of his country based on his father’s former suggestions and advice.8 Livy and Polybius both agree that Hannibal’s attack upon Saguntum would elicit a response from Rome. Livy records Hannibal’s aggression toward Saguntum as a cause for the Second Punic War. On the other hand, Polybius opposes Livy’s position as a cause for the second war. Polybius stated that Hannibal’s aggression upon Saguntum was what started the war and not a cause referring back to the unsatisfying end results from the First Punic War and further abuses conducted by Rome. Hannibal successfully attacked Saguntum obtaining much booty used to pay and supply the soldiers and Carthage which built confidence and loyalty of the people and allies.9 While Hannibal was conducting a full attack on Saguntum, Rome was debating what actions to take if such an attack occurred. Rome sent a warning to Hannibal to leave in peace and return to Carthage so allies could report any grievances from his unwarranted actions.10 Polybius records that Rome soon learned of the attack after sending the warning to Hannibal and viewed his attack as a breach of the treaty for Saguntum to maintain their independence from both Rome and Carthage.11 Hannibal did not heed to any warning from Rome. Hannibal’s success on the attack and siege of Saguntum is recorded by Livy and Polybius to have inspired Carthage with confidence for going to war with Rome. After the attack at Saguntum, a Roman delegations was sent to Carthage to determine if Hannibal was acting alone or with the approval of Carthage. According to Livy, the Carthage Senate reminded the delegation of their previous demands to turn Hannibal over to ensure peace and now Rome presumes they have a say into Carthage’s 8 Founded by JAMES LOEB 1911 Edited by JEFFREY HENDERSON, “The Histories of Polybius, Book III, Section 6-15, 17, 20-22, 29-30,” Loeb Classical Library, accessed March 18, 2022, Sec. 14, p. 39. 9 Ibid. Livy. Ch. 5, pp. 13, 15. 10 Ibid. Livy. Ch. 6, pp. 17, 19. 11 Ibid. Livy. Ch. 6, pp. 17, 19.