![Picture](/uploads/4/3/9/6/43962759/3859506.jpg?250)
In this statue of the Carthaginian general Hannibal, he looks very determined and is looking forward which shows he is a leader. Hannibal is also wearing a helmet that has lots of detail on it which implies that he was very important in the Carthaginian military. It also implies that the military was extremely valued and important in their society.
"If we descend to a more particular comparison, we shall find, that with respect to military science, for example, the Carthaginians, in the management and conduct of a naval war, are more skillful than the Romans. For the Carthaginians have derived this knowledge from their ancestors through a long course of ages; and are more exercised in maritime affairs than any other people. But the Romans, on the other hand, are far superior in all things that belong to the establishment and discipline of armies. For this discipline, which is regarded by them as the chief and constant object of their care, is utterly neglected by the Carthaginians..."
Background:
- Written by Polybius ( c.200-after 118 BCE) from a section in one of his histories called Polybius on Carthage and Rome.
Summary:
- This excerpt from one Polybius's written documents called the Polybius on Carthage and Rome is about the huge contrast between the two militaries. Rome, which trained their men in discipline, while Carthage, in naval abilities and skills.
Analysis:
- This shows how the Carthaginian army is mainly trained in naval skills they learned from their ancestors throughout time, while the Roman army focused in training their troops in discipline, which even with the lack of naval training, their discipline pulled through to win them the third Punic war. From the source we can tell that if countries make discipline an important aspect and key factor in their militaries, then they will grow to be a strong military even with the lack of other skills. As we can see, Carthage with its advanced knowledge in naval tactics over the ages was not enough for the Roman army's discipline.