Page "Hannibal" Paragraph 40

Carthaginian political will was embodied in the ruling oligarchy.

While there was a Carthaginian Senate, the real power was with the inner " Council of 30 Nobles " and the board of judges from ruling families known as the " Hundred and Four ".

These two bodies came from the wealthy, commercial families of Carthage.

Two political factions operated in Carthage: the war party, also known as the " Barcids " ( Hannibal ’ s family name ) and the peace party led by Hanno II the Great.

Hanno had been instrumental in denying Hannibal ’ s requested reinforcements following the battle at Cannae.