In the documentary "Hannibal: Rome's Worst Nightmare," the nightmare of Rome refers to the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca. He is depicted as a brilliant military strategist and tactician who led his forces against Rome during the Second Punic War. Hannibal famously crossed the Alps with his army, including war elephants, to invade Italy, achieving several significant victories against Roman forces. His campaigns posed a severe threat to Rome, earning him a reputation as one of history's greatest military leaders and a formidable adversary for the Roman Republic.

Yes, the Romans feared Hannibal significantly. His military tactics, especially during the Second Punic War, showcased his brilliance as a commander, leading to several major victories against Roman forces, including the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC. Hannibal's ability to invade Italy and threaten Rome itself instilled deep anxiety among the Roman populace and military. This fear was compounded by his strategic use of psychological warfare and his reputation as a formidable adversary, making him a central figure in Roman historical narratives about their conflicts with Carthage.

In "Hannibal: Rome's Worst Nightmare," the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca is depicted as a brilliant military strategist who famously defeated Roman forces in several battles during the Second Punic War. While he achieved significant victories, such as the Battle of Cannae, he ultimately struggled with logistics, reinforcements, and support from Carthage. Despite his tactical genius, Hannibal could not secure a decisive victory that would lead to Rome's defeat due to these limitations, Rome's resilience, and its ability to adapt and recover.

Hannibal ultimately failed to defeat the Romans due to several key factors. Despite his early victories and tactical genius, he lacked sufficient reinforcements and resources to maintain his campaigns in Italy. His strategy relied heavily on the hope of inciting rebellion among Rome's allies, which did not materialize as he had anticipated. Additionally, Roman resilience and the strategic adaptations of their military, particularly under leaders like Scipio Africanus, ultimately led to Hannibal's defeat at the Battle of Zama in 202 BCE.