ABSTRACT
Roman worries were calmed by the Ebro Treaty of 226 BC. In 218, however, Hannibal's destruction of Saguntum precipitated the Second Punic War and Hannibal's bold invasion of Italy through the Alps. Hannibal's brilliant victories in Italy were not negated by lack of support at home. Carthage supported Hannibal and the war consistently to the best of its ability, which was limited by Roman naval superiority. Hannibal's failure in Italy was determined by Roman successes in Spain and the tenacity of Fabius Maximus, the Cunctator. Fabius' delaying tactics of harassment and attrition had utilized Rome's enormous reserves of manpower to frustrate Hannibal's main design of wrecking Rome's system of alliances. By delaying, Fabius saved the state. Then, Scipio's guile and generalship defeated Hannibal and Carthage in Africa. In 201 BC, Carthage was compelled to surrender all territories outside of Africa; to recognize the independence of Numidia and Masinissa's alliance with Rome.
