Hannibal and the Downfall of Carthage: Hannibal's decision to cross the Alps rather than the Mediterranean in the 2nd Punic War

"I swear that so soon as age will permit, I will use fire and steel to arrest the destiny of Rome" So vowed the young boy, as he stood at the altar beside his father. Son of the great Carthaginian general Hamilcar and brother-in-law of Hamilcar?s able successor Hasdrubal, Hannibal Barca?s roots in the military and Carthage lay deep. And so it was, as the oath taken proclaimed, that his life was an …

…General Hannibal Barca?s decision to cross the Alps in lieu of the Mediterranean was a fatal error that undermined his campaign against Rome and played a major role in the eventual destruction of Carthage. Footnote: 1Legend has it, that the founders of Rome and Carthage, Aeneas and Dido met and fell in love. Aeneas, however, had to leave and Dido, heartbroken, swore that she would one day have vengeance. Soon after, she killed herself.