2. The Second Punic War: Setting the Stage
The Second Punic War erupted in 218 BCE, fueled by bitter rivalry and territorial ambitions between Rome and Carthage. Control of the western Mediterranean hung in the balance, as both cities vied for supremacy after the First Punic War. Unlike other ancient conflicts, such as the Persian-Greek wars, this struggle spanned continents and featured legendary leaders on both sides. The stakes were existential—victory promised dominance, while defeat threatened annihilation.
