Hannibal Barca: The Man Who Nearly Destroyed Rome | Part 1

In 218 BC, Hannibal Barca did what Rome believed was impossible. Instead of attacking Rome by sea, the 29-year-old Carthaginian general marched his army out of Spain, crossed the Pyrenees and the Rhône, slipped past a Roman army, and began the terrifying journey across the Alps. This is the beginning of Hannibal's legendary invasion of Italy — the campaign that would bring the Roman Republic closer to destruction than almost anyone thought possible. In Part 1, we trace the rise of Hannibal and the Barca family, the First Punic War and Carthage's humiliation, Hamilcar Barca's conquest of Spain, Hannibal's childhood and famous oath against Rome, the fall of Saguntum, and the events that ignited the Second Punic War. Then comes the march. Hannibal assembles his army and takes the war directly toward the Italian heartland, crossing hostile territory and attempting one of the most audacious military campaigns of the ancient world. From Carthage and Iberia to Saguntum, the Rhône and the Alps — this is the story of how Hannibal began his war against Rome. Part 2 continues the campaign into Italy. #history #rome #carthage #history #warzone #ancientrome #hannibal #documentary