OCR GCSE Ancient History Hannibal and the Second Punic War 218 to 201 BC: a complete depth-study overview

What this option demands

Hannibal and the Second Punic War 218 to 201 BC is a popular Roman depth study in OCR's GCSE Ancient History Component 02 (Rome and its neighbours). A depth study examines a short period in close detail, and the exam rewards knowledge, the ability to explain causes and outcomes, and the ability to evaluate sources (AO3). The story runs from the causes of the war, through Hannibal's spectacular invasion of Italy and his great victories, to Rome's grim recovery and final triumph at Zama. This overview ties the dot-point pages together.

The causes and the invasion

The war grew out of the bitter rivalry from the First Punic War: Carthage had lost Sicily and then Sardinia, and rebuilt its power in Spain under the Barcids. The flashpoint was Hannibal's siege of Saguntum (219 BC), after which Rome declared war in 218 BC. Hannibal then carried the war to Italy by the legendary crossing of the Alps (with elephants), and won crushing early victories at the Trebia (218 BC) and Lake Trasimene (217 BC) through his generalship, surprise, cavalry and Roman mistakes.

Cannae and the war in Italy

Hannibal's masterpiece was the Battle of Cannae (216 BC), where his double envelopment surrounded and destroyed a huge Roman army. Rome was plunged into crisis and some allies (Capua) defected, but Rome refused to surrender. It adopted the Fabian strategy of delay (avoiding battle and wearing Hannibal down), and Hannibal, lacking siege power, reinforcements and a general revolt of the allies, could win battles but not the war.

Scipio and the victory at Zama

Rome's recovery centred on Scipio, who conquered Carthaginian Spain and then carried the war to Africa (204 BC), forcing the recall of Hannibal. At the Battle of Zama (202 BC) Scipio neutralised Hannibal's elephants and used his superior cavalry to win. Carthage made peace in 201 BC on harsh terms (loss of the fleet and Spain, a huge indemnity, no war without Rome's leave). Rome won through its manpower and resilience, loyal allies, the Fabian strategy and Scipio's generalship.

Check your knowledge

A mix of recall questions covering the whole option. Attempt them, then check the solutions.

1. What was the immediate trigger of the Second Punic War? (1 mark)
2. In what year did Hannibal cross the Alps? (1 mark)
3. Name Hannibal's two early victories in Italy. (2 marks)
4. What tactic won Hannibal the Battle of Cannae? (1 mark)
5. What was the Fabian strategy? (2 marks)
6. Give two reasons Hannibal could not win the war in Italy. (2 marks)
7. Where and when was Hannibal finally defeated, and by whom? (2 marks)
8. Name the two prescribed sources for this depth study. (2 marks)