5 – His Personality Won Over His Troops
As well as possessing outstanding military skill, Hannibal was the very definition of ‘leader.’ Not only did he manage to control his army, which was comprised of a large proportion of mercenaries, but he was also able to keep everyone together during the many difficult periods the army encountered. The losses endured during the crossing of the Alps and the swamp in Italy could have led to a mutiny under a less capable leader.
Just before the Battle of Cannae, it was clear that the Carthaginians were outnumbered by their foe. Several officers were clearly anxious about the upcoming battle and a man by the name of Gisgo spoke out about his fears to Hannibal. Again, a less capable leader would have punished the officer and caused morale to plummet further. However, Hannibal reportedly said that not one of the Romans soldiers was named Gisgo (to show that the Carthaginian army was superior) and his men began to laugh and cheer. The result of the battle was an incredible victory.
According to literary evidence of the age, Hannibal was known for his charisma and elected to sleep among his soldiers during the harsh conditions they encountered. When supplies began to run out, he refused special treatment and went hungry with his men. During tough times, Hannibal’s men knew they could rely on him, and he repaid their faith with a series of magnificent victories.
It is astonishing that the Carthaginian army managed to remain together for so long given the adverse conditions they faced and the fact it was laden with mercenaries who needed little excuse to flee. Eventually, many of them did, but those who remained were in no doubt as to where their loyalties lay. It was Hannibal’s penchant for staying amongst his men that probably cost him his eye. Instead of rushing to get treatment, he stayed with his army in the terrible swamp conditions.