To the Romans Hannibal became a legend for fierce and heartless enemy but if you were a Carthaginian Hannibal was a brilliant military leader and a hero. I realized there is a huge difference in your perspective depending on which side you are on. The Carthaginians were defending what they felt was rightfully theirs. Hannibal fought with everything in his power to win the war but he didn't have enough support to win a real victory against Rome.
The Carthaginians lost everything after the third and final Punic war. After trying to defend themselves against the African tribe attacks. What a waste of human life. Thousands of men died. The rest were sold into slavery. A very harsh punishment for violating the treaty agreement. The Romans may have thought Hannibal was ruthless but in the end the Romans proved to be just as hard-hearted themselves.
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Roman definitely has its faults when it comes to remaining loyal to those who have fought so valiantly for them. But it is not entirely the case. Look at Alexander the Great, Julius Ceasar, and Augustus. Why do you suppose they were so fickle in their rememberance? What made them remember one more than another. So many did great deeds, yet so few are remembered. And what of the quality of those who are remembered? Yes, Julius Ceasar was brilliant in so many ways, and yet a greedy tyrant. Marc Antony, a brilliant politician, but a loyal friend? Of the many example we've read about, I was most impressed with Augustuas and was pleased to see the Romans justifiably revered him.
I completely agree, I think both sides were definitely guilty of being ruthless and cold-hearted. It is interesting though to think of how you would view the situation depending on what perspective you were from. Even today our presuppositions and perspective effect our perception of situations in the world around us.
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