Q&A ยท 2:41:27-2:41:55

Did Hannibal's invasion of Italy ultimately succeed?

Hannibal's victories in Italy did not conquer Rome; Scipio Africanus's pressure on Carthaginian power forced him to return and defend the homeland.

Question

Did Hannibal's invasion of Italy ultimately succeed?

Short answer

No. He campaigned in Italy for years, but Scipio Africanus's pressure on Carthage forced the recall of its best general and army.

Notes

Hannibal campaigned in Italy for years without defeating Rome. Scipio Africanus's operations elsewhere threatened Carthage and forced its best general and army to return. Victories inside enemy territory had failed to secure the larger strategic objective of defeating Rome.