Difference between Genghis Khan and Hannibal
Genghis Khan was the founder of the largest empire in the world - the Mongol Empire. He united several tribes of nomadic people in the region of northeast Asia. His brutal tactics sometimes wiped out complete populations, and the number of total people killed is estimated to be almost 40 million.
Hannibal was the military commander of Carthage and considered to be one of the best commanders in the world. There was a great deal of political stress during Hannibal's lifetime, and along with his father, brothers and brother-in-law, Hannibal fought in the First and Second Punic Wars.
History
Genghis Khan was born Borjigin Temujin in 1162. Legend has it that he was born with a blood clot in his fist which indicated he would be a great leader. Since there aren't any portraits of him in existence, all pictures are all interpretations. Descriptions of Genghis say he was tall, with red hair, green eyes and a long beard.
The son of the leader of Carthage, Hamilcar Barca, Hannibal was one of three sons. One of his sisters married Naravas, the king of Numidian and another married Hasdruabal the Fair. At a young age, Hannibal's father made him swear allegiance to Carthage against Rome. His father died in a battle during the conquest of Hispania, and Hasdruabal took command with Hannibal as an officer of his army.
Military Career
During Genghis Khan's reign of the Mongol Empire at the initial stage, Genghis created alliances with allies and organized his followers in preparation for war.
Hannibal's military career started under the leadership of his brother-in-law, but when he was assassinated, the young Hannibal was named commander. He was only in his twenties, but given his family's legacy, Hannibal was a trusted leader. When Hannibal used his brilliant military tactics to trap the Roman army during the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC, it became one of the bloodiest battles and worse defeats in the ancient Romans history. Hannibal's smaller army completely annihilated the Roman army.
Death and Legacy
Genghis Khan died in 1227 after the invasion of the Mongols on China. It is rumored that he died as a result of castration by a Tangut princess who was retaliating on the terrible treatment of the Mongols against her people. Some reports say it was in self-defense as Genghis was planning to rape her. He was buried in a secret grave, per tribal custom, and the Genghis Khan Mausoleum was built many years later in a separate location.
Hannibal went into exile after the Roman's demanded his surrender around seven years after the Battle of Zama. The Roman's continued to hunt for him for several years, and since Hannibal did not want to end up in the hands of the Romans, he took poison and died. It is believed he died somewhere between 183 BC and 181 BC.
Bottom-line
Genghis Khan developed the most diverse empire in world history, combining several ethnicities and cultures. He knew it would be difficult to find government officials who could lead since the nomadic people had no experience. Genghis invited other displaced rulers to assist.
It is said that Hannibal taught the Romans what it meant to feel fear. There is a famous Latin phrase based upon Hannibal coming to wreak havoc. He was a symbol of fear and terror. Many Roman writers actually held admiration for Hannibal as he was such a great adversary.
