Who was Hannibal? Hannibal (or Hannibal Barca) was the leader of the military forces of Carthage that fought against Rome in the Second Punic War. Hannibal, who almost overpowered Rome, was considered Rome's greatest enemy. Hannibal Birth and Death Dates. 247?-183? B.C. Hannibal did not die when he lost the war with Rome.