"Patrick N. Hunt’s HANNIBAL starts slowly but comes alive when Hannibal charges into battle... Hunt demonstrates why Hannibal was so adept at battle, in particular his ability to turn to his advantage the quirks of terrain, weather and the characteristics of his Roman foes. The book is particularly illuminating in discussing Hannibal’s famous crossing of the Alps in 218 B.C... Hunt excels in his descriptions of battles..."
New York Times, Thomas E. Ricks, author of Churchill and Orwell: The Fight for Freedom
"An exciting biography of one of history's greatest commanders. . . . A thrilling page-turner about one of history's most brilliant strategists and tacticians."
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
About the book
One name Rome feared above all others: Hannibal, the brilliant general who successfully crossed the Alps with his war elephants and brought Rome to its knees. Hannibal, one of the greatest commanders of the ancient world is brought vividly to life in this new biography by historian and archaeologist Patrick Hunt.
Hannibal Barca of Carthage, born 247 BC, following in his father Hamilacar’s footsteps, led Carthage in the Second Punic War. Hannibal won brilliant victory after victory in Italy by outmaneuvering his Roman adversaries in decisive battles where he defeated larger Roman armies, culminating in the great battle at Cannae in 216 BC. Unable after almost two decades to force Rome to capitulate, he was eventually compelled to leave Italy and return to North Africa when the Romans besieged Carthage at home. Hannibal then fought his Roman rival Scipio in an epic battle at Zama, the only major battle Hannibal lost, forcing him into exile until his death.