Hannibal

a Cart hag in i an general; son of Hamilear Barca; born 247 B. c. At the age of 9 years his father, whom he was eager to accompany in the war against Spain, made him swear at the altar eternal hatred to the Romans. At the age of 22 he entered the army at the request of Hasdrubal. The soldiers perceived in him the spirit of Hamilcar, whom they had 50 highly esteemed; and in three campaigns his talents and his courage were so conspicuous that the army on ‘the murder of Hasdrubal in 221 conferred on him the chief command by acclamation.