Hannibal was the first born son of Hamilcar Barca, general of Carthage. Along with his brothers Mago and Hasdrubal, he persecuted the second war against Rome according to the last dictates of his father.
The first Punic war was fought between Rome and Carthage over Sicily, a conflict from which Rome finally emerged victorious.
The Punic fortunes were faring for the worst until the young general Hamilcar, of the Barcas, assumed command of the island. His outstanding leadership rejuvenated the Carthaginian cause and managed to prolong the war for another 5 years. In the end however even Hamilcar's ability was not enough to outweigh the abandonment of the Punic army by the corrupted Senate. After the destruction of the Carthaginian navy, the Senate informed the Sicilian army that further ressuply was impossible and they were free to negotiate terms. Thus an undefeated army was forced to surrender due to a defeated government.
The returning soldiers outraged by their treatment by the Senate, rebelled. This so called "Truce less War" threw the whole of the Carthaginian Empire into chaos. Hamilcar was forced to fight against his former comrades and annihilated them all in the final battle near Tunis. In the meanwhile however the Romans taking advantage of the turmoil annexed Sardinia.
Hamilcar was once again employed by the Senate to restore Punic fortunes in Spain. By brute force he reconquered the lost provinces and subdued the rebellious tribes. The general's hatred of the Romans had passed on to his young son, Hannibal, who accompanied him on the Spanish expedition.
Hannibal Barca assumed command of the Carthaginian Iberian army in 221BC. From the very first moment his intention to renew the war against Rome was clear, with or without the Senate's consent.