Destroying Carthage in 146 B.C., Romans recalled what they had suffered from Carthaginians in Sicily and Spain, and in Italy itself for sixteen years. The Second Punic War was regarded by ancient and modern writers alike as the greatest in the history of Rome. Apart from the interest of the battles and sieges, apart from the Roman power, it reveals the dramatic vividness of Hannibal's personality. In the end Hannibal lost. His genius had not been able to overcome the firmness of Roman character and the basic loyalty of the Italian allies, but the test he applied was never again equaled.
Greatness derives to heroism.
That what makes him a hero. Many people fall, collapse, yield. Hannibal was able to overcome the adversities until his last breath. From the siege of Saguntum in Spain in 219 B.C. until his death in 183 B.C. Hannibal pursued his aim with a steadfastness and a singleness of purpose that makes him a real hero. We cannot but admire Hannibal.