Hannibal Barca was a Carthaginian general and military commander, renowned for his strategic prowess during the Second Punic War (218-201 BC) against Rome. He is best known for his audacious crossing of the Alps with an army that included war elephants, which allowed him to invade Italy from the north. Hannibal achieved several significant victories against Roman forces, most notably at the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC. Despite his successes, he ultimately faced defeat and was unable to secure a lasting victory over Rome.