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

The point is that Hannibal did not give up. His death marked the end of an era for Rome,
and suicide by poison is arguably a literary invention given its „appropriateness‟ for an
eternal enemy not to die at the hands of his enemy, for an exemplary old soldier not to
die of natural causes but not quite so exemplary that kills himself by sword.
The conclusions reached in this thesis are the result of comparing the presentations of
Hannibal in the extant texts. In sum, this thesis shows that ancient authors were flexible
in their approach to tradition as the story of Hannibal was presented and represented
over the generations, yet essential elements and, of course, the outcome of certain events
remain unchanged. There will always be room for further study on the texts and on
Hannibal, but it is hoped that the points raised here will be of historiographic interest as
well as of interest to those involved in the study of Hannibal‟ reputation, and that others
might be encouraged to reconsider the Punica in terms of allusions to the traditions
espoused in Polybius‟ Histories.
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