Hannibal was the son of the great Carthaginian general, Hamilcar Barca. When his father died, and up until his own death, Hannibal’s life was all about the role he played in the war. It was after the death of his father that he became a talented officer and soldier. The army made him commander at the age of 26, a decision that was supported by the Carthaginian government. As commander, Hannibal crossed the Alps with a huge army that included elephants.