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===Crisis in Spain===

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 it was not 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>.