Hannibal Barca of Carthage, born 247 BC, was one of the great generals of the ancient world. His father, Hamilcar, was also a great strategist and master tactician who imposed Carthaginian rule over much of present-day Spain. After Hamilcar led the Carthaginian forces against Rome in the First Punic War, Hannibal followed in his father’s footsteps, leading Carthage in the Second Punic War.
From the time he was a teenager, Hannibal fought against Rome. He is famed for leading Carthage’s army across North Africa, into Spain, along the Mediterranean coast, and then crossing the Alps with his army and war elephants. Hannibal won victories in northern Italy by outmaneuvering his Roman adversaries and defeated a larger Roman army at the battle of Cannae in 216 BC. Unable to force Rome to capitulate, he was eventually forced to leave Italy and return to Carthage when a savvy Roman general named Scipio invaded North Africa. Hannibal and Scipio fought an epic battle at Zama, which Hannibal lost. The terms of surrender were harsh and many Carthaginians blamed Hannibal, eventually forcing him into exile until his death.
To this day Hannibal is still regarded as a military genius. Napoleon, George Patton, and Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr. are only some of the generals who studied and admired him. His strategy and tactics are still taught in military academies. He is one of the figures of the ancient world whose life and exploits never fail to impress. Historian Patrick N. Hunt has led archeological expeditions in the Alps and elsewhere to study Hannibal’s exploits. Now he brings Hannibal’s incredible story to life in this riveting and dramatic book.
PAT'S REVIEW
| Patrick Hunt goes into a thorough history of the life and military history of the famous Carthage leader Hannibal. He begins with his father and how he was taught military tactics, and also take care of the people that his family was in charge of. He then leads you through some of his father’s battles up to his death and when Hannibal takes over. He would then lead Carthage in what would be called the second Punic War. The author takes you through his journey through the Alps with elephants and then after resting his defeating of the Roman Army in Cannae in 216 BC. This would just be the first of many defeats by his army over a much larger force that being the Romans. He would use different strategies in defeating the legions that were sent out to destroy him. What he never did was attack Rome itself. The author goes into that plus the one Roman General who was able to force him to leave the battlefield and then leave Italy. He would then go into North Africa and a few other places. What really makes this book is the amount of research that the author has done and also that Hannibal and his strategies to this day are still taught. He is still considered as one of the best military leaders. Overall a very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com |
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