Hannibal: Ascendancy

Hannibal: Ascendancy is a historical epic film based on the Second Punic War and is set in the Ancient World Cinematic Universe (AWCU). It is the second film of the Hannibal Trilogy. It is the sequel to Hannibal the Conqueror. The film takes place between 218-215 BC.

The film stars... Like the rest of the ARCU, the film is mostly historically accurate, with some minor adjustments in order to make it cinematic.

Plot
Hannibal finishes crossing the Alps with his legions, which include his brother-in-law Maharbal, wife Imilce, and younger brother Mago. It was a long and treacherous journey. He defeats various Gallic tribes in the Rhone River, and many join him on his Carthaginian conquest of Rome. Publius Scipio tried to stop him in Massalia, but Hannibal change the route and enter in the Alps.

After cross the Alps, the strengthened Carthaginian force defeat a Roman army led by Tiberius Longus and Publius Scipio  near modern-day Turin, in Ticino River. Scipio is saved by his son and them and others escape and return to Rome. Longus insists on persisting and face Hannibal in Trebia River and is killed in the fight. The Senate instructs Publio Scipio him on joining his brother Gnaeus Scipio on the Hispania front against Hasdrubal Barca. For now, Gnaeus can stop Hasdrubal in Cissa, near of the roman capital in Spain, Tarraco.

Fabius Maximus is subsequently promoted as dictator of Rome amid panic. However, his delaying strategies, despite fairly successful, caused disagreement with the aggressive Roman general Gaius Varro and the centrist Lucius Aemilius Paullus. Meanwhile in Hispania, the Scipios have some success against Hasdrubal releasing Saguntum. Fabius Maximus consults with the Sibyl of Cumae that sid that the salvation of Rome is the son of Publius Scipio.

Varro and Paullus lead the Romans into battle at the Battle of Cannae. In this epic climax, the Varro escapes with his life while Paullus stays with his troops and dies honorably. Publio Scipio Jr, leads the survivors of the eight decimated legions come back to Rome. Fabius Maximus rewards Scipio Jr for showing leadership in the worst of defeats, but he exiled the rest of survivors to Sicily, named them Cursed Legions, only coming back to Rome if Hannibal is defetaed. Hannibal walks to the gates of Rome.