Hannibal at Saguntum

Saguntum is the first major battle sequence of the epic and provides the first sight of Silius’ Hannibal in action. Here Hannibal the man sets in motion the myth as he embraces his past literary status as a superhuman warrior and charismatic general, emerging from the darkness of his formative years (e.g. 1.99–103) to become a warrior of flame and light (e.g. 1.461–2). He stands before the walls of the city, pounded by Saguntine weapons, and makes a rallying call to his troops:

This is Hannibal's first direct speech of the epic and our first insight into how he defines himself and his actions: as a man of bona uirtus (1.342) and a leader of men (dux, 1.343). The capability of Hannibal as a leader is stated early in the epic; the Carthaginian army is the first to welcome him (exercitus una/ Hannibalem uoce atque alacri certamine poscit; ‘the army demanded Hannibal with one voice, eager for battle’, 1.183–4) seeing in him the reflection of his father Hamilcar's uirtus (huic studia accendit patriae uirtutis imago, 1.185).4 They also admire his youthful eagerness, his fervour, his mind armed with tricks, and his innate way with words (huic uirides ausis anni feruorque decorus/ atque armata dolis mens et uis insita fandi, 1.187–8), all traits which define the Roman Hannibal as he appears in earlier texts. These Carthaginian troops, therefore, are presenting a version of Hannibal that is instantly recognisable to the external audience, presenting him as a man gifted in speech even though he is yet to utter one word.