02-18-2001, 04:35 PM
Salve,<br>
<br>
In my view, supposing Hannibal was of decent Roman stock to begin with and eligible for senior political positions (<i> praetor</i>, <i> consul</i>, prorogued commands), it would still have been difficult to argue the case for a radically different course of events. There were other gifted Roman commanders, notably Scipio Africanus (though not greater than Napoleon imho), whose ambition was held in check by the checks and balances at this date still governing the behaviour of the elite. A Roman Hannibal may have enjoyed some brilliant successes as commander fighting for the Roman cause, but jealousy of his fellow senators would have made sure that his reputation would not assume dangerous proportions by withholding support for further tenures of office. He would not have made too great an impact. Rome would have gone to war with Carthage and destroyed its power in the end and the Roman empire would probably have come up against the same difficulties surrounding final and effective subiugation of Germany and Parthia/Persia, winning the battles and loosing the peace.<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
<br>
Sander van Dorst <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub45.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showLocalUserPublicProfile?login=sandervandorst>Sander van Dorst</A> at: 2/18/01 5:43:43 pm<br></i>
<br>
In my view, supposing Hannibal was of decent Roman stock to begin with and eligible for senior political positions (<i> praetor</i>, <i> consul</i>, prorogued commands), it would still have been difficult to argue the case for a radically different course of events. There were other gifted Roman commanders, notably Scipio Africanus (though not greater than Napoleon imho), whose ambition was held in check by the checks and balances at this date still governing the behaviour of the elite. A Roman Hannibal may have enjoyed some brilliant successes as commander fighting for the Roman cause, but jealousy of his fellow senators would have made sure that his reputation would not assume dangerous proportions by withholding support for further tenures of office. He would not have made too great an impact. Rome would have gone to war with Carthage and destroyed its power in the end and the Roman empire would probably have come up against the same difficulties surrounding final and effective subiugation of Germany and Parthia/Persia, winning the battles and loosing the peace.<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
<br>
Sander van Dorst <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub45.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showLocalUserPublicProfile?login=sandervandorst>Sander van Dorst</A> at: 2/18/01 5:43:43 pm<br></i>
