The Battle for Supremacy: Hannibal's Campaign in Italy, 215 BC

The transcript details the strategic maneuvers and battles between Roman and Carthaginian forces during the Second Punic War. Hannibal's attempts to provoke Marcellus at Nola, the escape of a key prisoner, and diplomatic efforts with Macedon are highlighted. The challenges faced by Roman forces in Iberia and Sardinia, as well as strategic developments in Italy, are also discussed. Despite setbacks, Hannibal seeks alliances to bolster his position.

What was Hannibal's primary objective in plundering the countryside around Nola?

• To establish a new base of operations

• To gather resources for his troops

• To recruit local allies

• To provoke Marcellus into open battle

Why did Marcellus decide to deploy his legions outside the walls of Nola?

• To retreat to a safer location

• To surprise Hannibal with a direct attack

• To prevent Hannibal from building siege towers

• To negotiate a truce with Hannibal

What was the outcome of the temporary truce agreed upon by Marcellus and Hannibal?

• Both sides retreated to their respective camps

• A decisive battle was fought the next day

• Each side collected and buried their dead

• Hannibal captured Nola

What financial strategy did the Roman Senate employ to support the Shippeo brothers in Iberia?

• Increased taxes on Roman citizens

• Borrowing heavily from Iberian allies

• Offering major concessions to creditors

• Selling Roman territories

What was the main challenge faced by Hazdrubal the Bald's expedition to Sardinia?

• Lack of reinforcements

• Internal dissent among his troops

• Being blown off course to the Balearic Islands

• A surprise attack by Roman forces

How did Titus Manlius Torquato manage to strengthen his forces in Sardinia?

• Training his troops in guerrilla tactics

• Capturing Carthaginian supplies

• Receiving reinforcements from Rome

• Recruiting local Sardinians

What was the significance of the Roman victory at Keralis?

• It led to the capture of Hannibal

• It denied Carthaginians bases on Sardinia

• It resulted in a peace treaty with Carthage

• It secured a new alliance with Macedon

What was the outcome of the second delegation from Philip of Macedon to Hannibal?

• It led to a military confrontation with Rome

• It resulted in a peace treaty with Rome

• It successfully reached Hannibal and renewed the alliance

• It was intercepted by Roman forces

What was the promise made to King Hieronymus of Syracuse for joining Hannibal's cause?

• A large sum of gold

• Full control of Sicily after the war

• Control over the Roman Senate

• A marriage alliance with Carthage

What strategic shift did Rome plan in response to the developments in Sicily?

• Negotiating with Carthage

• Sending Marcellus to Sicily

• Abandoning the island

• Building a new fleet