Which war involved Hannibal and began in Spain, later spreading to Italy?

The Second Punic War is the correct answer because it was primarily characterized by Hannibal's military campaign against Rome during the 3rd century BCE. This conflict began in 218 BCE when Hannibal, a Carthaginian general, famously crossed the Alps to invade Italy after starting his campaign in Spain. His strategies, including the use of war elephants and tactical maneuvers at battles such as Cannae, demonstrated his military genius and posed a significant threat to Rome.

The First Punic War focused mainly on naval battles and territorial disputes over Sicily, while the Third Punic War centered around Rome's final destruction of Carthage. The Social War was unrelated to the Punic Wars and involved conflicts between Roman citizens and Italian allies over citizenship rights. Thus, the Second Punic War is directly linked to Hannibal's campaign, rightfully making it the answer to the question.