Hannibal returns home.
You have changed History! Even though it makes an interesting scenario,
it would have been worthless to Hannibal to rule Rome while Scipio destroyed
Carthage. If it became a race, Carthage would probably have fallen
first, since the Romans had made many allies in North Africa, and could
use their help to cut off Carthage from its surroundings. Italians
had grown weary of Hannibal and his army trampling the countryside, and
were not likely to help him in any way. The only logical thing he
could do, as a loyal Carthaginian, was to return home and defend his people.
Scroll down... With an army
that had grown complacent, and an immense city in his way, Hannibal's only
real choice was to return home. It was the fervent hope of his people
that he would be their savior, but Hannibal felt that fortune had deserted
him, and all his years of fighting had gone to waste. His next decision
will be your final choice. Outside Carthage
lay the Plain of Zama, where the Roman army held its camp. It was
now 201 BC, and the Second Punic War had been in effect for nearly a generation.
Hannibal went into the camp of Scipio to discuss the terms of engagement.
It is said that the two men stared at each other for many moments, considering
the immensity of each others' character. Each appeared to have great
admiration for the other, and, in succeeding years, this would be proven
by their actions. Negotiations were opened, and each
gave his terms. Hannibal proposed that the Romans withdraw their
army, and the Carthaginians would, in return, avoid any further attacks
on Rome or Italy, allow free trade in the Mediterranean, and pay a great
monetary tribute. Scipio claimed that this was not enough.
He ordered Carthage to become a subordinate state, to dissolve their army,
and to give Rome nearly all of their wealth. Hannibal was faced with this decision;
he must give Rome what it asked for, or fight them once again. What
would you do?