Hannibal pulls another Cannae at Zama

Yes but I don't think that Carthage will challenge Rome again.

In what would eventually become the general Roman view, Carthage challenged Rome simply by existing. So yes, even if the Carthagians avoid provocation, as they likely will, there is serious chance of a rematch. The endgame will probably be similar to the Third Punic war, although it may be tougher for the Romans ITTL.
 
Well, allow me to retort.

The unique element of the Roman polity which allowed it to achieve Mediterranean domination was its reaction to fear stimuli (as argued by a number of historians, including Holland, Roberts and others). Whereas other ancient States reacted in a placatory manner - hence the expectation that Cannae should result in victory - Rome reacted much more offensively, seeking ways to placate the Gods while defeating the mortal opponents.

Ally to this the fear created by Hannibal, which led to his use as a bogeyman and Romes OTL reaction to his post Carthage life - essentially to attempt to procure his death; and the fear of Carthage as a rival (Carthago delandra est!). Given this assessment, a partially victorious Rome, defeated in battle at the last step in my estimation, more likely than not to send another army to put the bogeyman to bed and gain total victory. There was a pragmatic vengefulness to much of Roman policy which points to this rival, which has humbled Rome on many occasions, being crushed.

If not, expect a third Punic war sooner than later - the imperative is stronger TTL than IOTL.

Now, you can argue the assessment - but it's an assesent based upon both primary (such as they are) and secondary sources, not some "hur hur hur Romanz are the bestest" arse pull.

And now I have much more respect for your opinion :) Sorry, it's just so often you see people just say things like "Rome will always win" and it gets a little annoying because of how mindless it can be.

An alternative situation that I think is an interesting one that could arise from this is that Carthage sort of becomes more like Ptolemaic Egypt in its relationship to Rome. This might be hard to swing, but I imagine it could be done under the proper conditions of the peace between the two. Rome might help fund pro-Roman parties in Carthaginian politics, Hannibal could be exiled or assassinated, and in the end Carthage becomes a bread salesman on the other side of the pond.
 
WHOOPS!! I WAS WRONG!! It's been long enough that I flipped my memory of where Zama is from Africa to Italy, WHOOPS!! And I should've double-checked instead of assuming.

Now that I've shown you I'm too clueless to have any idea what I'm talking about , now I think Hannibal might try settle for turf and probably punitive terms. He didn't at Cannae, of course, but he'd likely be alot more tired of it. Or maybe he'd seige the city after returning and wait forever.

Surely a time traveler would help Hannibal to Rome fast. After all, they helped Obama forge his citizenship. ;-)

SORRY!!!
 
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