Hannibal

views updated May 21 2018

Hannibal (c.247–c.183 bc) Carthaginian general in the second of the Punic Wars, son of Hamilcar Barca. One of the greatest generals of ancient times, in 218 bc he invaded n Italy after crossing the Alps with 40,000 troops and a force of elephants. Hannibal won a series of victories, but was unable to capture Rome. Recalled to Carthage to confront the invasion of Scipio Africanus, he was defeated at Zama (202 bc). After the war, as chief magistrate of Carthage, he alienated the nobility by reducing their power. They sought Roman intervention, and Hannibal fled to the Seleucid kingdom of Antiochus III. Defeated fighting for Antiochus against the Romans, Hannibal committed suicide.

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Hannibal

views updated Jun 27 2018

Hannibal ★★ 2001 (R)

The long-awaited sequel to the much loved “Silence of the Lambs,” and the lesser-known but equally praised “Manhunter,” is more gruesome than scary, but it still managed to bring loads of people to the theatre, most likely to enjoy a heapin' helping of Hopkins's Hannibal. This time the infamous Dr. Lecter and FBI agent Clarice Starling (now played by Moore) are brought together by one of Hannibal's vengeful victims, the severely disfigured Verger (played by Oldman, under layers of prosthetics), and his trained wild pigs. Based on the novel by Thomas Harris. 131m/C VHS, DVD . US Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman, Ray Liotta, Frankie Faison, Giancarlo Giannini, Francesca Neri, Zeljko Ivanek, Hazelle Goodman, David Andrews, Francis Guinan, Enrico Lo Verso; D: Ridley Scott; W: David Mamet, Steven Zaillian; C: John Mathieson; M: Hans Zimmer.

Hannibal

views updated Jun 27 2018

Hannibal (247–182 bc), Carthaginian general. In the second Punic War he attacked Italy via the Alps, which he crossed with elephants; he repeatedly defeated the Romans, but failed to take Rome itself. After being recalled to Africa he was defeated at Zama by Scipio Africanus in 202.

See also Hannibal Lecter.

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