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[[File:Elhafen Battle of Hannibal and Scipio.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|A relief showing a battle between Punic and Roman armies]]

The Romans had begun to focus more on Spain but after the assassination of Hasdrubal, they became distracted by events elsewhere. They became embroiled in a war in Illyria <ref> Livy, History of Rome, xiv</ref>. This allowed Hannibal to consolidate his position in Spain. The capture of Saguntum was essential to Hannibal's plan. This was originally a Greek city but later was composed of a mixed population of Greeks, Romans, and Iberians. The city was a very prosperous trade center and it was strongly fortified. Hannibal regarded Saguntum as key to his position in Spain. Furthermore, the wealth of the city tempted him as he needed to pay his men who were all mercenaries. Hannibal laid siege to the city. The citizens of Saguntum resisted bravely and they defied Hannibal and his army for long eight months <ref> Hoyos, p. 117</ref>. Rome was an ally of the city and they had guaranteed the safety and the security of the city. During Hannibal's assault on Saguntum he suffered heavy losses as he attempted to storm the city’s fortifications and because of the ferocity of the defending Saguntines <ref> Garland, p. 116</ref>. After many attacks, his troops stormed and destroyed the city's defenses by attacking them one at a time. Hannibal stated that he was "willing to depart from Saguntum, unarmed, each with two garments" <ref> Polybius, The Rise of Rome, iii</ref>.

When the inhabitants rejected the offer Hannibal had every adult put to death and enslaved the children. Rome was technically an ally of Saguntum, but the Republic was not able to help it. Many saw the siege and the destruction of the city as an unofficial declaration of war. The Romans now reasoned that Hannibal did not want to respect past agreements and the allies of Rome <ref> Livy, History of Rome, xxiv</ref>. The Romans had allowed Hannibal to become too strong in Spain and now he was able to use it as a base. Hannibal used the manpower and resources of Spain to recruit a massive army, some 90,0000 strong, according to modern historian’s estimates <ref> Garland, p. 117</ref>. Hannibal also obtained war-elephants. After he set out from Spain he crossed the Alps and advanced into Italy where he soon won a series of remarkable victories at the battles of Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and the Battle of Cannae.