Hannibal and the Punic War

Vocabulary

• Senate- the aristocratic branch of Rome's Government
• Dictator- a assigned leader who had absolute power over laws and army in th time of crisis. Held power for only six months
• legions- small military units
• Punic wars- a series of three wars between Rome and Carthage, resulting with the destruction of Carthage and Rome's dominance over the Mediterranean.
• Hannibal- the mastermind behind the war was a 29 year old Carthaginian General named Hannibal and wanted to avenge Carthage's defeat.
• Twelve tables- written laws for the plebeians

Notes

• Legions were made of 5000 infantry, a group of cavalry. Legions were split up in 80 men called a century. A key factor to Rome's greatness.
• first Punic war- control for Sicily (264-241). Carthage lost.
• Second Punic war- Hannibal was the mastermind behind this war, He assembled an army of 50,000 infantry, 9,000 cavalry, and 60 elephants.Led his army through Spain and through the Alps to Rome. Hannibal won the battle of Carthage but failed to capture Rome.
• Scipio Devised a plan to attack Carthage
• Third Punic war (Carthage was destroyed and all 50,000 citizens were sold into slavery.

Questions

1. Definitions
1. The Roman Republic was a fairer system of government and had a big contribution to their success.
2. Patricians were the minority of Rome and made most of the political decisions.
3. The plebeians were the majority in Rome and they could only vote until the Tribunes and the twelve tables.
4. Tribunes gave plebeians more authority and they protected the their rights.]
5. Consuls were the main leaders of Rome and they have the power to veto each other.
6. The senate organized foreign policy and Rome.
7. Dictators were short term rulers assigned in times of crisis.
8. Legions had a strategic advantage and gave Rome most military success.
9. The Punic Wars demonstrated Romes power and defeated an major threat so they can expand their land.
10. Hannibal was a fearless 29 year old leader who fought Rome in the second Punic War.

3. Their term was 1 year long, the same person could not be elected again for the nect ten years, one can always veto the other.

4. The twelve tables were the first steps to Roman law and it also established that all free citizens have a right to the protection of the law.

Hannibal's attack was daring because it was a treacherous journey and he lost half of his men, but it surprised Rome.