Needless to say, Ms. Giovanni used a great deal of artistic license in her poem and captured the warrior essence of Hannibal magnificently. However, in reality the general refused to advance on Rome and seize power after the Battle of Cannae.The battle pitted General Barca's remaining 40,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry soldiers against the Roman Empire's army of 86,000 soldiers. This resulted in the loss of 50,000 Roman soldiers credited to his pincer movement tactic. Goal Setting To Live A Life Of Freedom MRR The pincer is a tactic that enables an army to surround their opposition as it advances into the center of its military formation.A temperament such as Hannibal Barca's defies understanding. But one can gather an inkling of what may have motivated his character by looking at: (1) The Phoenician Empire, which provided the foundation for Carthage's wealth, (2) Princess Elissa of Tyre (Also known as Dido), (3) Hannibal Barca and his family, and (4) Hannibal the soldier.