Besides, he had by a recent act provoked the resentment of many men in power.
46.

The order of judges possessed, at that time, absolute power in Carthage; and this was owing chiefly to their holding the office during life.

The property, character, and life of every man was in their disposal.

He who incurred the displeasure of one of that order, found an enemy in every one of them; nor were accusers wanting in a court where the justices were disposed to condemn.

While they were in possession of this despotism, (for they did not exercise their exorbitant power constitutionally,) Hannibal was elected praetor and he summoned the quaestor before him.