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^"My son, come forth and make an oath upon this altar.Swear that until
 the Roman state is crushed, the Barca family shall not ease.Swear everlasting enmity to Rome!".
^With these words Hamilcar Barca created Hannibal, the scourge of Rome.

^The first Punic war(264-241BC) ended with defeat for Carthage.Hamilcar commanding the
Phoenician forces had conquered the Roman armies time after time.But to what avail?.
The politicians at home betrayed the cause;supplies, money and reinforcements were forfeited,
and a treaty was signed with the Romans behind the army's back.
The bitterness left on the general's soul was great.  
^In an attempt to restore Carthaginian fortunes, the Punic armies led again by Hamilcar
invaded Spain.Hannibal, the general's youngest son,then only 10 years of age, accompanied him.
^For years Hamilcar dreamed of continuing the war with Rome.
Many a night with his three sons, Hasdrubal, Mago and Hannibal they sat around the camp fire
discussing tactics and how the mighty Legions could be brought to their knees. 
^The old general died in battle in 229BC.His dream of defeating Rome, was left for his sons to complete.

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For months now the Carthaginian Iberian army has been preparing
for a great campaign.
Suppies are stored, hostile tribes subjucated, troops trained
and alliances concluded. At the head of this army
is Hannibal Barca, freshly arrived from the mainland. The objective
of the campaign is thus far unknown to any but the general.
News have just reached the army camp however that they are going
to march against Saguntum, a Greek colony in alliance with Rome.
...................

A Roman delegation has arrived in the capital of Carthage.
Fabius Maximus Quintus, is adressing the Carthaginian Senate:

"......and thus by the siege and capture of Saguntum, your
general Hannibal has broken the treaty of the Ebro.Therefore the Roman
people justly demand his extradiction to Italy, or else we will
not be responsible for any consequences!
Will it be peace or war, venerable Senators?

.......silence and scepticism enshroud the room....... 
Senator Bodes steps up....
"That is a choice for great Rome to make, noble Maximus"
"In that case, the people choose war". 
"War it is then Roman! War to the bitter end!"
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