It strikes me that this might be exactly why Rome prevailed.

“Commander, we are poised to break the Roman line! Our time is now! Give the order and their forces will be crushed!”

“Bruh I have like zero bars right now what the fuck”

I think it’s more that the Carthaginian army was unstoppable in the field but didn’t have the necessary siege equipment or technical knowledge to take Rome before allied reinforcements arrived but sure why not, Hannibal didn’t finish the job because he had no bars.

So if I had a time machine you’re saying it might be worth it to learn some ancient languages and take a book on basic siege engines back with me?