Please write a brief biography of Hannibal and explain whether or not you think his reputation (in Roman eyes) as a monster was deserved.

Hannibal was a Carthaginian military commander and obviously grew up in Carthage hating the Romans. He lived in the period of when the Roman Republic established more power over other great cities such as Carthage and the Hellenistic kingdoms.  Hannibal was born in 247 B.C.E and grew up during a period of tension in the Mediterranean. Hannibal’s father was the commander of the Carthaginian army during the First Punic War. When Hannibal was little, his father taught him to hate and despise the Romans, through this growing hatred, Hannibal wanted to seek revenge.  So in the First Punic War when Carthage was defeated, Hamilcar set out to reclaim Carthage’s fortune. When his father was then killed in battle, Hasdrubal got promoted to his father’s earlier position. Hannibal then served as an officer under him. Then in two hundred twenty one before the Common Era Hannibal’s brother, Hasdrubal, was assassinated. Hannibal then took his place as commander in chief by the army. For the next two years he fought in battle for the conquest of Hispania south of the Ebro. This was how the 2^nd Punic War begins, by Hannibal invading through Spain and going to Italy. Hannibal lost his eye during one of the battles, but is a very strong leader. Hannibal then went through the Alps and finally reached northern Italy with all his troops and elephants. While in Italy he destroyed many towns and didn’t give any mercy. Hannibal came within 50 miles of Rome and shows how fierce of a leader he was. Throughout the rest of his life, Hannibal fought and also led many battles. Some of the most memorable are the defeats and victories against the Roman Empire. Hannibal was the Roman’s biggest enemy at the time. So yes, I do think he deserved the reputation he got.