Hannibal’s Oath: The Life and Wars of Rome’s Greatest Enemy

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Hannibal of Carthage demonstrated generalship and tenacity that terrified his enemies, bringing Rome, the juggernaut empire of the Mediterranean, almost to its knees. His brilliant, unconventional tactics won him many battles, and admirers, and are still studied today. The story is fascinating, and even more so because, while Hannibal was arguably the better leader, he ultimately lost his war.

Author John Prevas has written a brisk, sympathetic history of this larger-than-life individual. And though relying on the same sources that have been used to scrutinize Hannibal for the last two millenia, Prevas nevertheless provides new and insightful analysis. The author superbly writes an accessible, entertaining book that revivifies this general for a lay audience. Sifting through the varying ancient accounts and personally following Hannibal’s footsteps and possible pathways, Prevas makes Hannibal’s trials – and his genius in overcoming them – immediate and salient. Hannibal was not perfect – he could be cruel, and some of his decisions, even those most lauded, may have led ultimately to his downfall. But he was a great leader and general, one whom even his enemies could not help but admire. His war with Rome truly changed the course of history.


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Author John Prevas
Star Count 5/5
Format Hard
Page Count 336 pages
Publisher Da Capo Press
Publish Date 26-Sep-2017
ISBN 9780306824241
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Issue January 2025
Category History
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