Who were the important leaders of the Punic Wars?

Answer 1

The Carthaginians did not have an overall leader in the twenty three year-long First Punic War, except for towards the end. The Carthaginian army was led by Gisco, his son Hannibal Gisco, Hanno Gisco (son of Hannibal Gisco), two commanders both called Hamilcar, Hanno the Great, Hasdrubal the Fair and Buspar Xanthippus (a Greek). Hamilcar Barca became the overall leader in the final year of the war.

In the seventeen year-long Second Punic War, Hannibal Barca was the leader of the invasion of Italy. In Spain the Carthaginian commanders were Hanno, Hasdrubal Barca, Himilco, Mago Barca and Hasdrubal Gisco.

In Rome the army was commanded by the two annually elected consuls (the heads of the Republic and the army). Therefore, Rome changed military commanders every year. During the Second Punic War the Romans entrusted the first expedition to Spain to Gnaeus Cornelius Scipio Calvus and Publius Cornelius Scipio and the second expedition to Spain to Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus.

The Roman commanders in the seven year-long Third Punic War were Scipio Aemilianus, Manius Manilius, Lucius Marcius Censorius and Calpurnius Piso. The Carthaginian commanders were Hasdrubal the Boeotarch, Himilco Phameas, Bythias and Diogenes.

Answer 2

Hannibal led Carthaginian forces against Rome who had a variety of leaders but it was Scipio Africanus who led the Roman army to ultimately defeat Hannibal at the Battle of Zama - October 19 , 202 BC .

Answer 3

The three Punic Wars were spread over 120 years. There were hundreds of leaders on both sides, political and military.

Answer 4

The Romans and their allies versus the Carthaginians and their mercenaries.