04-14-2002, 03:28 AM
I have to agree with Antoninus on most of the points he covered except with his comparison of Hannibal and Darius. Correct me if I am wrong but did not Darius, at the command of vastly superior numbers, flee the field of battle at the battle of Granicus? This coming after Alexander himself led the Companions on a calvary charge at the heart of the Persian defenses. Then did not Darius once again flee after another pin point charge by the Companions, once again led personally by Alexander, at the battle of Issus. And finally at Gaugamela, while commanding an estimated 200,000 troops, did not Darius flee a third time after yet another attack by Alexander and his companions? It is very difficult for me to imagine Hannibal ever fleeing the field of battle while in command of superior numbers. Now I know what everyone is thinking, what about the battle of Zama? It is my belief that after never having received support from Carthage, and after the death of his brother, I do not believe that Hannibal had his heart in the battle. I think the General faced by Scipio Africanus was a much different and embittered man. In fact, I might go so far as to say that Hannibal, with his heart no longer in the fight, allowed himself to be defeated at Zama.<br>
Back to the question at hand, I do believe that had Hannibal, and say Scipio, had switched places, the possibilities would have been endless. I feel that Rome would not only have crushed Carthage early in the Second Punic War, but also that Rome would have conquered a vast majority of Africa. Who knows, perhaps Hannibal would have been the first Ceasar Augustus? <p></p><i></i>
Back to the question at hand, I do believe that had Hannibal, and say Scipio, had switched places, the possibilities would have been endless. I feel that Rome would not only have crushed Carthage early in the Second Punic War, but also that Rome would have conquered a vast majority of Africa. Who knows, perhaps Hannibal would have been the first Ceasar Augustus? <p></p><i></i>
