Hannibal Barkas

About this board game

Hannibal Barkas is a card-driven strategy game for 2–5 players, with an average play time of 180 minutes, set during the Second Punic War. Players take the roles of Carthage or Rome while managing the military, political, and economic challenges of ruling an ancient nation.

Every card offers meaningful choices and can be played in four different ways: as Talents of gold, as Initiative Points, as a global event, or as an interrupt effect played at any time. Initiative Points are needed to activate armies, pursue political actions, and carry out other activities, making each card a valuable decision.

The game combines straightforward rules with a broad range of strategic options. Alongside commanding armies, players must consider diplomacy and the support of minor nations. Syracusae, Macedonia, Massilia, and Numidia can become allies, strengthening Rome or Carthage with additional cards, gold, and armies.

Economy is another central concern. Gold is required to recruit new armies, keep existing forces in play, conduct diplomacy, and take advantage of opportunities offered by cards. Success depends on choosing when to invest resources, commit forces, or use a card for its event instead.

• Card-driven gameplay with four uses for every card
• Military, political, diplomatic, and economic elements
• Separate nation decks within a set of 280 cards
• 400 tokens and 5 dice included

With its emphasis on changing decisions, varied cards, and multiple paths to strengthen a nation, Hannibal Barkas presents a dynamic contest between Carthage and Rome. The box includes a rulebook, board, cards featuring events, cities, and leaders for six nations, tokens, and dice.