Hannibal : un ennemi pas comme les autres : Le portrait d’Hannibal par Tite-Live : entre stéréotype moral et caractérisation complexe

Details

Supervisors

Meunier, Nicolas

Faculty

Faculté de philosophie, arts et lettres

Degree label

Master [60] en langues et lettres anciennes et modernes

Abstract

enThis thesis examines the portrayal of Hannibal in Books XXI to XXX of Livy’s Ab Urbe Condita, with the aim of exploring how the Roman historian constructed his character portraits. Is Hannibal merely a stereotypical representation of the barbaric enemy, or a more complex figure that reveals unexpected psychological depth? This question forms part of a broader critical reassessment of Livy’s character portrayals, which have long been viewed as schematic and purely moralising. Our hypothesis is that Livy moves beyond the traditional caricature of Rome’s enemy to offer a more nuanced figure, one that oscillates between greatness and vulnerability. Adopting a literary approach, our analysis focuses on narrative techniques, speech constructions, and recurring motifs related to the Second Punic War. The first chapter highlights the construction of a stereotypical image. Hannibal is initially presented as Rome’s hereditary enemy, driven by irrational hatred and marked by deceit, cruelty, and dishonesty. However, this expected portrayal is gradually refined throughout the narrative. The second chapter explores how Livy introduces complexity into this portrayalby depicting Hannibal’s doubts, emotions, strategic hesitations, and regrets. Hanibal is thus endowedwith a surprising humanity. This narrative depth transforms him into an ambivalent figure—both formidable and vulnerable. The third chapter analyses how Livy maintains coherence in Hannibal’s character despite these internal contradictions. Rather than fragmenting the figure, Livy ensures unity through lexical consistency, thematic continuity, and structural progression. This carefully balanced paradox enriches the narrative and subtly anticipates a more introspective historiographical approach, one that foreshadows the perspective of Tacitus. Through the figure of Hannibal, Livy thus invites broader reflection on the dangers of personal power and the complexity of great historical figures. This work offers a reassessment of Livy’s approach to history. While remaining morally driven, Livy already begins to explore the contradictions inherent in human nature—for, as he himself reminds us at the outset of his work, it is men, their character and their choices, who shape the course of history.