# Hannibal — Discourses on Livy character guide > Hannibal in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli. **Role:** supporting **First appearance:** 0004-i ## Snapshot Carthage's relentless invader, whose cruelty and cunning won victories that force Machiavelli to ask whether fear can rival love as a tool of command. ## Who they are Hannibal stands as the great counterexample in Machiavelli's inquiry into leadership: a general whose harsh methods produced loyalty and triumph no less than Valerius Corvinus's gentleness. His presence in the Discourses tests the comfortable assumption that good treatment is the only road to soldierly devotion. For readers, he embodies the uncomfortable question of whether effective command can be separated from moral decency. ## Relationships ### [Scipio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/scipio) _rivalry_ Hannibal and Scipio Africanus are legendary military adversaries, with Scipio ultimately defeating Hannibal at Zama, embodying the clash of Carthaginian and Roman genius. ### [Fabius Maximus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/fabius_maximus) _rivalry_ Fabius Maximus used delaying tactics (Fabian strategy) to wear down Hannibal, representing cautious attrition against aggressive invasion. ## In the story ### [That we should never hazard our whole fortunes where we put not forth our entire strength; for which reason to guard a defile is often hurtful.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxiii) Cited as an example of a commander who crossed the Alps successfully, while the Romans chose to meet him on open ground. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxi) Mentioned as an enemy against whom Roman armies were sent, and as the victor at Cannae. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xlvii) Mentioned in the context of the Roman defeat at Cannae that led to Capuan unrest. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/liii) The Carthaginian general against whom Fabius Maximus and Varro campaigned; his presence in Italy for eight to ten years is noted. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as the recipient of the Samnites' request for aid against the Romans. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/ix) The Carthaginian general who deliberately attacked the Saguntans, friends of Rome, to provoke a war and gain an opportunity to invade Italy. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xii) Cited for his advice to Antiochus that the Romans could only be vanquished in Italy, and for his remark that the springs enabling a country to support a war dry up when the enemy is at the gates. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xviii) Quoted for his scoffing remark at Cannae when Roman horsemen dismounted, but Machiavelli dismisses his authority in favor of Roman practice. ### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xix) Mentioned as being corrupted by the luxury of Capua after taking possession. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxvii) After Cannae, Hannibal sought peace terms from Carthage, but the senate rejected Hanno's prudent advice, leading to eventual defeat. ### [On the Strength of Arms vs. Gold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxx) His invasion of Italy and victory at Cannae is referenced; Hanno's question to his envoys highlights Rome's resilience. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/ix) The Carthaginian general whose youthful success and recent victories made Fabius's caution timely. ### [That a captain cannot escape battle when his enemy forces it on him at all risks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/x) Contrasted with Fabius: in Africa against Scipio, Hannibal could not delay because his army would dissolve from lack of resources, forcing him to risk battle. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xvii) Carthaginian general opposing Claudius Nero's army in Italy. ### [How one humane act availed more with the men of Falerii, than all the might of the Roman arms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xx) Carthaginian general who achieved great renown through methods opposite to those of Camillus, setting up a contrast for the next chapter. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxi) Entered Italy using violence, rapine, cruelty, and treachery, yet secured the revolt of Italian states in his favor; his inhumanity made him detested by the Romans but kept his army united through awe. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxii) Mentioned in the context of errors that breed contempt or hatred, which only extraordinary valor can correct. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxi) Mentioned as a captain who could not succeed with untrained soldiers; also referenced in the context of the Roman refusal to sue for peace after Cannae. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xl) Praised for his military frauds, including feigned flight at Lake Thrasymene and the oxen trick to escape Fabius Maximus. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/hannibal - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters