Rise of the Roman Empire (Episode 13): The beginning of the Second Punic War
Hannibal was unanimously elected to take charge of Carthage's army in Spain. Hannibal was not only a skilled warrior, but also a skilled warrior who made a name for himself at an early age. Before he was elected leader of Carthage in Spain, he was with the cavalry of the army and there was evidence of his heroism in many ways.
By taking charge of the army, he set out to expand Carthage's influence. Hannibal local various powerful tribes; For example, by defeating Olsades, Vacaye, etc., he extended the boundaries of Carthage to the north and northwest highlands of the Iberian Peninsula.
*Battle of Tagas
After defeating the Vacancies in 220 BC, Hannibal set sail for New Carthage with the spoils. Meanwhile, the defeated Spanish clan collectively took up arms against Carthage. A large force of them chased Hannibal and his army. These forces were basically infantry, they did not lack courage and determination, but they lacked discipline and tactics.According to Polybius and Livy, the number of these forces was about one million, which modern historians consider exaggerated.
Hannibal and his forces were aware of the weakness of the Spanish forces. To take advantage of this, Hannibal led his troops across the Tagas River, equipping his forces on the other side. Meanwhile, thinking that the Carthaginians were fleeing, the Spanish troops jumped into the river without considering the front and back to chase after them.Hannibal's strategy worked. The Spaniards were in dire straits after crossing the raging Tagas River. Those who reached the other side were also attacked by Carthage's cavalry and elephants before they could stand up to the current. Hannibal's forces crossed the river, slashing them and destroying the Spaniards on the other side. Victory in this battle consolidated Carthage's power in Spain.
*Occupy Saguntum
The town of Saguntam, 400 km north of New Carthage. Before the full war with Rome began, Hannibal wanted to subdue this allied city of Rome. There are two reasons for this. 1. To enrich the treasury by snatching their money and resources, and 2. When Hannibal led the expedition to Italy, he did not want to leave any allies in Rome behind.
In 219 BC, Saguntam became embroiled in a feud with the neighboring tribe Turdetani. The Turdes besieged Saguntum despite Hannibal Rome's warning on the pretext that they were allies of Carthage. The Saguntins were expecting help from Rome. But since Rome was not willing to be directly involved in the battle, they prepared themselves to defend the city.
Saguntum, located in rough hills, is naturally protected.The walls protecting the city were only slightly lower in a flat place. However, the Saguntins also knew about this weakness and built three towers here. Carthage's troops repeatedly tried to break through the walls. At one point they were able to break down part of the wall. But in the face of strong resistance from Saguntaine warriors, they were forced to retreat. On this occasion the Saguntins again repaired the walls.