1) “Discretion is the better part of valor.”
Not the discretion you think of though. But discreet knowledge of human nature.
Not the discretion you think of though. But discreet knowledge of human nature.
2) Hannibal is recognized as one of the greatest military strategists of the ancient world. Yet, his career spanning the Mediterranean went from misery to disaster.
Because Hannibal could do war better than anyone, yet failed at the business of war.
Because Hannibal could do war better than anyone, yet failed at the business of war.
3) His Roman rival Scipio enlarged his family’s power and property by getting the business of war really well, and ultimately defeated Hannibal.
Scipio became Rome’s living savior and champion, doubling its territory and power in just a few years of campaigning.
Scipio became Rome’s living savior and champion, doubling its territory and power in just a few years of campaigning.
4) Hannibal spent more than a decade in Italy, campaigning at Rome’s doorstep and inflicting glorious defeats on the adversary.
Despite his freeing and courting Roman allies, very few cities joined him to get their freedom from Rome.
Despite his freeing and courting Roman allies, very few cities joined him to get their freedom from Rome.
5) Hannibal was denied critical reinforcements by the oligarchy in Carthage because Italy wasn’t an attractive colony for the wealthy. They wanted to defend their landholdings in Spain, blind to the fact that the war could only be won against Rome herself.
6) Scipio forced the Carthaginians to evacuate Spain in five short years by using bribery and hostages to ensure the compliance of the local tribes.
After his first coups against the Carthaginians, he had strong support from Rome, where Spain was seen as ripe for colonization.
After his first coups against the Carthaginians, he had strong support from Rome, where Spain was seen as ripe for colonization.
7) The Romans were ruthlessly committed to winning & put their own sons on the battlefield. #SITG
The Carthaginians wanted a quick victory & had to use growing numbers of allies and mercenaries to continue the war.
The Carthaginians wanted a quick victory & had to use growing numbers of allies and mercenaries to continue the war.
8) Hannibal failed because he counted on people’s courage and honor.
Scipio succeeded because he counted on people’s fear and greed.
Scipio succeeded because he counted on people’s fear and greed.
9) Rome succeeded for sticking together & committing with skin in the game.
Carthage failed for being divided & reducing the war to the profit motive.
Carthage failed for being divided & reducing the war to the profit motive.
