SLC Thesis Template - ResearchSpace@Auckland - The University ...

other protagonists involved in a conflict, and there are indications that there was some
connivance among certain Carthaginians. In the long term, Roman acceptance of
Hannibal as the instigator of a war or as their „real‟ enemy allows them to be more
merciful toward their erstwhile opponents. When Hannibal appears in the court of
Antiochus, he is depicted arguing for war, but Livy indicates that Hannibal was not
solely responsible for inciting the king to war against Rome. It will be argued that the
picture becomes more complicated in Livy‟s narrative because the depiction of
Hannibal through the fourth decad is affected by the presentation of a gradual increase
in moral degradation appearing among Roman leaders, including Scipio Africanus and
Flamininus.
The third section of this chapter compares the records of Hannibal‟s death of which
there are various stories about when, where and how Hannibal died. There are two
features in common between all the traditions: As befitting an eternal enemy he is never
represented as captured or killed by a Roman, nor does he die of peaceful old age.
Suicide becomes his final act of independent defiance of Rome.
The epitaphs and literary portraits of Hannibal are compared in the final section of
this chapter. The comparisons show that most are overwhelmingly positive, in addition,
the negative characteristics are surprisingly limited to a few specific points that are
frequently negated within the narrative by the same author.
Eternal Enemy and Saviour of Carthage
Livy indicated through Scipio‟s exhortation to his men before the battle at Zama that
Carthage itself is under threat because Scipio tempted his men with the wealth of the
city (Livy, 30.32.10). Despite this threat and the destruction of the Carthaginian fleet,
Carthage itself was not sacked or plundered, although the matter was considered (Livy,
30.36.10). The corollary to depicting Scipio‟s magnanimity and clemency toward the
Carthaginians in response to their pleas and supplications for peace is the presentation
of Hannibal, in effect, saving the city, when he either persuaded the Carthaginians to
initially seek peace, or persuaded them to accept the offered terms. 404 Although both
Polybius and Livy depict Hannibal arguing in favour of accepting Scipio‟s terms there is
404 De Beer, 1969, 290, credits Scipio not only with granting Hannibal‟s freedom but also with the
foresight to recognise Hannibal as the most capable person to ensure the indemnities are paid.
186