Top Generals in Ancient History - Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar, Scipio

Throughout antiquity there have been many generals to note. This article will focus more on the Hellenistic generals, those of Greece, Rome, and Carthage, as they are the most popular in studies. If one of these generals were to be considered the most successful, it would be Alexander the Great. Caesar's story has been told many times more, as he lived a longer life and much about him was recorded. Scipio is likely the least known, even though history holds him as an important figure to the Roman Republic. Scipio didn't end the republic like Caesar did, so perhaps he was of a different character.

Not one of these generals was a Greek, which is interesting because each had a connection to Greece. Perhaps in another article heroes like Leonidas (who fought at Thermopylae, famous battle told in the movie "300") might be mentioned.

Alexander the Great - This Macedonian general conquered most of the known world while still in his twenties. His father led the conquering of Greece, but Alexander went on to conquer all of the Persian empire, which included Mesopotamia and Egypt. He would have kept going but his veterans refused to push on into India. He died at a young age leaving no suitable heir, which was his greatest mistake.

Hannibal - Hannibal was one of the most famous generals of ancient times. Though he didn't conquer the lands Alexander the Great did, he was almost always facing a superior Roman army. He fought during the Punic Wars, which were between Rome and Carthage. Hannibal crushed the armies of the Roman republic again and again. He came close, and perhaps could have, burned Rome to the ground after his victories. He even played politics in Italy, uniting many small states in the peninsula who thought he could beat Rome. His most notable victory was against a superior Roman army at Cannae, a battle which has been the subject of many books about the Punic wars. After the war was lost, he was hounded and killed by an assassin of Rome.