Hannibal Barca

Carthaginian general

Ancient influential 46 sayings

Sayings by Hannibal Barca

I will either find a way or make one.

c. 218 BC — Attributed when his generals told him it was impossible to cross the Alps with elephants.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Let us now relieve the Romans of their fears by the death of a feeble old man.

183 or 182 BC — Referring to himself, before taking poison to avoid capture by the Romans.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us now relieve the Romans of their fears by the death of a feeble old man.

183 or 182 BC — Referring to himself, before taking poison to avoid capture by the Romans.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

Let us relieve the Romans from the anxiety they have so long experienced, since they think it tries their patience too much to wait for an old man's death.

183 BCE — Before committing suicide to avoid capture by the Romans
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You know how to win a victory, Hannibal, but not how to use one.

216 BCE — Criticizing his officers after the Battle of Cannae
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Let us relieve the Romans of the fear they have so long experienced.

216 BCE — Allegedly said before the Battle of Cannae
Controversial Unverifiable

The Romans are most to be feared when they are most afraid.

218-201 BCE — Attributed by Livy
Controversial Unverifiable

Never was there a man more fitted by nature for the command of an army, and to inspire confidence in his soldiers, than Hannibal.

c. 1st century BC (Livy's writing) — A quote *about* him from Livy, reflecting his leadership, though not something he said himself. Incl…
Shocking Unverifiable

Aut vincere aut mori.

c. 218-202 BC — Latin for 'Either conquer or die.' Attributed as a rallying cry.
Shocking Unverifiable

I swear that I will be an enemy to the Roman people, and that I will never make peace with them.

c. 237 BCE — Oath taken as a child, as recorded by Polybius and Livy
Shocking Unverifiable

Never has a nation been more faithful to its allies than Carthage.

216 BCE — Addressing his troops before the Battle of Cannae, as recorded by Livy
Shocking Unverifiable

The Carthaginians fight for their existence, the Romans for their dominion.

218-202 BCE — Attributed, general sentiment in his speeches
Shocking Unverifiable

I will show you how to win a battle, not how to make an army.

c. 218 BCE — Said to his officers, as recorded by Livy
Shocking Unverifiable

Let us not be afraid of the Romans, for they are men like ourselves.

c. 218 BCE — Addressing his troops before a battle, as recorded by Livy
Shocking Unverifiable

The Roman people have been accustomed to conquer, but they have never been accustomed to be conquered.

218-202 BCE — Attributed, general sentiment
Shocking Unverifiable

Death is the end of all things, but glory is immortal.

218-202 BCE — Attributed, general sentiment in his speeches
Shocking Unverifiable

I have sworn that I will never be a friend to the Romans.

c. 237 BCE — Oath taken as a child, as recorded by Polybius and Livy
Shocking Unverifiable

The gods have given us victory, but we must use it wisely.

c. 218 BCE — After a victory, as recorded by Livy
Shocking Unverifiable

I have been sent to Italy, not to fight with the Romans, but to conquer them.

218 BCE — Addressing his troops upon entering Italy, as recorded by Livy
Shocking Unverifiable

There is no more certain method of securing victory than to inspire your soldiers with a firm belief that they are going to win.

218-202 BCE — Attributed, general sentiment in his leadership
Shocking Unverifiable