NARRATOR: Even 2,000
years after his death,
Hannibal is still a role model.
Hannibal's story
begins in Carthage,
a city all but forgotten today,
but a superpower in 270 B.C.
But as Carthage expands, so
does another rising power, Rome.
Every Roman citizen is
expected to serve in the army,
and they are the
preeminent land power.
For Carthage, the
First Punic War
ends in a humiliating defeat.
Carthage, for now, must bow
to Rome, pay a huge tribute,
and dream of revenge.
The defeated Carthaginian
leader, Hamilcar, swears
to one day destroy his foe.
He dedicates his life, and his
son's, to Rome's destruction.
That boy is Hannibal.
His father's hatred
of Rome shapes
young Hannibal's destiny.
WOMAN: The story is told
that Hamilcar called Hannibal
to his side and asked
the young boy to swear
that he would remain
throughout his life
an enemy to the Roman people.
