12.12.2012 Views

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

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

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

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

direct speech by Hannibal to Antiochus. Hannibal successfully convinces Antiochus of<br />

his loyalty to the king and hatred of Rome, and the king decides on war (Livy, 35.19.1-<br />

7). Hannibal‟s speech reaffirms Livy‟s depiction of him as a warmonger against Rome<br />

and as a sworn enemy to Rome, and the role of Hannibal as an eternal enemy of Rome<br />

is presented as coming from Hannibal himself.<br />

Justinus describes a scene which puts a different perspective on Hannibal‟s<br />

relationship with Antiochus; Hannibal‟s loyalty is unquestionable. He was brought to<br />

the king‟s council, not to reassure Antiochus of continuing loyalty or hatred of Rome,<br />

but to discuss the conduct of the war and to defend his earlier advice to invade Italy.<br />

Consequently there is no quaint story of a childhood oath but Hannibal gives his<br />

justifications for invading Italy. Hannibal concludes with the observation he had never<br />

been defeated in Italy, but it was his return to Africa that changed both the seat of war<br />

and his luck (Justinus, 31.5).<br />

Livy later expresses doubt that Hannibal was solely responsible for inspiring<br />

Antiochus to war with Rome because Antiochus has other military advisors, in<br />

particular two Greek generals (Alexander and Thoas) pressuring the king into war<br />

against Rome. <strong>The</strong>y each propose different strategies from Hannibal and both try in<br />

different ways to undermine his relationship with Antiochus. Perhaps Antiochus himself<br />

was wary of allowing Hannibal too much control. 425 <strong>The</strong> patterning of the expressions<br />

of their views conveys a sense of argument and courtly intrigue as conflicting influences<br />

on Antiochus. Hannibal‟s arguments in favour of invading Italy (Livy 34.60-1; 36.7-8)<br />

are wrapped either side of the arguments by the two Greek generals who favour fighting<br />

the war in Greece. <strong>The</strong> Acarnanian general, Alexander, advises that Hannibal be sent to<br />

Africa to create a diversion and split the Roman forces (Livy, 35.18). <strong>The</strong> Aetolian<br />

general, Thoas, tries to persuade the king not to give Hannibal a command but is not<br />

totally successful on this point as Antiochus retains Hannibal as an advisor (Livy,<br />

35.42). Perhaps everyone, including Antiochus, had a right to be afraid of Hannibal.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Aetolians succeeded in persuading Antiochus to invade Greece (Livy, 45.22.7).<br />

Whereas Florus puts some responsibility onto Hannibal, asserting that two people, the<br />

Greek general, Thoas, and Hannibal were responsible for inciting Antiochus to war<br />

(Florus, 24.8.5). Hannibal, according to Livy, understood something of the Roman<br />

system of recruitment and hence believes that the only way to victory over Rome is to<br />

425 Lancel, 1998, 195.<br />

200

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!