Translation of Rome’s Fiercest Enemy
When Hannibal was a boy of nine years, his father, named Hamilcar, was getting
ready/was preparing to sail with many soldiers to Spain. Many year before, the
Romans had conquered Hamilcar in way; they had seized the islands, Sicily and
Sardinia, from the Carthaginians. Now Hamilcar had in mind to cross to Spain,
and there to found a new empire. The boy Hannibal did not want to remain in
Africa, and so approached his father.
“Father, father!” Hannibal shouted. “Lead me with you to Spain! Don’t leave me
in Africa with boys!”
“But you are a boy,” his father responded, who at that very time was getting ready/
was preparing to consult the omens at the altar. “Carthaginian men, no boys, are
enemies to the Romans.”
“I am not a boy,” Hannibal said. “If you are an enemy to the Romans, I am also
an enemy to the Romans.”
“If that’s the way you think,” Hamilcar said, “it will be necessary for you to
confirm this by swearing an oath.”He placed the hand of his son on the head of the
victim/sacrifice.
Hannibal said, “I will always be an enemy to the Romans.” “I will always fight
against the Romans. I will not rest unless I will have seized the city of Rome.”
And so Hamilcar led his son Hannibal with him to Spain. After many years,
Hannibal, when he was leader of the Carthaginians, led a hug army against the
Romans; he accomplished many wonderful (things). For a long time he was
fighting against the Romans and conquered them in many battles. Never did the
Romans have a fiercer enemy.