Helmet and spear : $b stories from the wars of the Greeks and RomansChurch, Alfred John
History
Helmet and spear : $b stories from the wars of the Greeks and Romans
Church, Alfred John
Greece -- History, Military; Rome -- History, Military
enraged at being thus deserted, turned against them--that they drew
their swords. The line of veterans, under Hannibal's personal command,
made a fierce and obstinate resistance. It was only when they were
charged on both flanks by the victorious cavalry that they gave way.
After this the rout was general. Twenty thousand men were left dead
on the field of battle, and as many more were taken prisoners. Of the
conquerors fifteen hundred fell. It was not a high price to pay for the
victory that, as Polybius puts it, "gave to Rome the sovereignty of the
world." Hannibal made his way to Adrumetum, and from thence to Carthage
with a body of six thousand troops.
The terms of peace were unexpectedly lenient. Carthage was to retain
its independence, and its African possessions. But it was to pay an
annual tribute of two hundred talents and an indemnity of ten thousand,
and it was to retain only ten ships of war. Hannibal was so strongly
impressed with the necessity of accepting these terms that he forcibly
pulled back into his seat a senator who had risen to speak against them.
A few lines may be given to the after history of this remarkable
man, the most formidable enemy that Rome ever had, equally great as
statesman and as general.
Not long after the conclusion of peace he left Carthage, avoiding by
his voluntary departure a demand that Rome was preparing to make for
his extradition. He was suspected, and probably with justice, of still
cherishing hostile designs. He took refuge with Antiochus, of Syria,
surnamed, but not for very convincing reasons, the Great. Antiochus
was flattered by his presence, but showed a ridiculous jealousy of his
genius. He would not employ him or even take his advice. A combination
against Rome among the Eastern powers was still possible, and Hannibal
strongly urged that it should be made, but he urged it in vain. In 192
he was indeed put in command of the Syrian fleet, largely consisting,
it may be presumed, of Phœnician ships. He was attacked by a superior
force from Rhodes, then the greatest naval power in the world, and was
defeated. Two years afterwards the great battle of Magnesia was fought.
Whether Hannibal was present we do not know, but he was certainly
not in command. Possibly an anecdote that is told of him belongs to
this time. King Antiochus showed him his army, splendid with gold and
silver. "Will not this be enough for the Romans?" asked the king.
"Yes, indeed," answered the veteran, "though they are the greediest
people upon earth." But it was of the value of their spoils, not of the
efficiency of their weapons, that he was thinking. The battle ended in
the total defeat of Antiochus and his splendid army. Two years later he
made peace with Rome, one of the conditions being that he should banish
from his dominions all the enemies of Rome. Hannibal had anticipated
the decree. He visited various places, and found at last what promised
to be a final refuge with Prusias, King of Bithynia. But Prusias
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