Hannibal
In short
Hannibal was a Carthaginian general and statesman who led his armies against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War.
In plain words
He was a brilliant military leader famous for crossing the Alps with elephants to attack Rome. He spent many years fighting in Italy to try and stop Rome from becoming too powerful.
A simple example
During the Second Punic War, Hannibal led his troops through freezing mountain passes to surprise the Roman army from the north.
Why it matters
His tactics are still studied by military leaders today because of his ability to outsmart larger forces. His wars shaped the entire history of the Mediterranean region.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse him with Hannibal Lecter, the fictional cannibalistic character from film and literature.