Wolność według Hannibala. Historiograficzna wizja polityki kartagińskiej wobec miast Italii (218–210 p.n.e.)
Freedom According to Hannibal. A Historiographic Account of Carthaginian Policy Towards Ancient Italian Cities (218–210 BCE)

Summary/Abstract: The article attempts to reconstruct the mechanisms underlying Carthage’s attempts to promote the Hellenic freedom propaganda in Italian cities between 218 and 210 BCE, when the Carthaginians were still able to score a victory over Rome. According to ancient historical sources, Hannibal’s success was rooted in breaking the friendship (amicitia) between the allies and Rome, and the narrative surrounding Carthaginian operations was subjugated to this hypothesis. Therefore, the article analyzes the effectiveness of the freedom propaganda (ἐλευθερία) in Italian cities. Based on the events of 218-210 BCE, the author concludes that Hannibal’s actions (including the freedom propaganda) had undermined the political cohesion of the Italian Federation. The methods used by Hannibal to promote the freedom propaganda were largely dependent on circumstances and observations of current affairs in Italy. Hannibal relied on a strictly economic approach in managing his military forces, and these goals were achieved by promoting ἐλευθερία. When the freedom propaganda proved to be ineffective, Carthaginians resorted to fear-evoking measures in Italy to create the demand for liberty.

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