Himself irresolute and fond of pleasure, the power behind his throne was HANNIBAL.

This great soldier, after his defeat at Zama, did not relinquish the aim of his life.

He became the chief magistrate of his native city, and in a short time cleared the moral atmosphere, which was charged with corruption and depravity.

Under him Carthage might have risen again.

But his intrigues with Antiochus, with whom he wished to make an alliance, gave Rome an opportunity to interfere.