Hannibal: Large Print (Paperback)
Parentage of Hannibal.The name of Hannibal's father was Hamilcar. He was one of the leading Carthaginian generals. Heoccupied a very prominent position, both on account of his rank, and wealth, and high familyconnections at Carthage, and also on account of the great military energy which he displayed in thecommand of the armies abroad. He carried on the wars which the Carthaginians waged in Africa andin Spain after the conclusion of the war with the Romans, and he longed to commence hostilitieswith the Romans again.Character of Hamilcar.Religious ceremonies.At one time, when Hannibal was about nine years of age, Hamilcar was preparing to set off on anexpedition into Spain, and, as was usual in those days, he was celebrating the occasion with games, and spectacles, and various religious ceremonies. It has been the custom in all ages of the world, when nations go to war with each other, for each side to take measures for propitiating the favor ofHeaven. Christian nations at the present day do it by prayers offered in each country for the successof their own arms. Heathen nations do it by sacrifices, libations, and offerings. Hamilcar had madearrangements for such sacrifices, and the priests were offering them in the presence of the wholeassembled arm.