Eisworth
Homo Sapiens
Joined: 07 Jan 2005
Posts: 461
Location: Athens, OH
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 Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 11:23 pm Post subject: 48. The Punic Wars by Adrian Goldsworthy |
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This book covers (in great depth) the history of Rome from the eve of the first Punic War (260BC) to the aftermath of the Fall of Carthage (146BC). Most of the book concerns the 2nd Punic War (the one with Hannibal and the elephants crossing the Alps), but that is to be expected given the nature of the extant sources.
The first Punic War is almost lost in the depths of time --- there are very few sources available, and much is still unknown. The Romans and Carthaginians fought for 23 years, mostly in Sicily.
The 2nd Punic War is the one everyone knows about --- Hannibal, elephants, Cannae, Scipio, etc.
The 3rd Punic War was a pitiful exercise in fomenting a war against a much inferior opponent for unclear reasons. This war (or rather the buildup to it) is famous for Cato the Elder's "Carthage must be destroyed" speeches.
Very interesting book, but a bit dry since it was primarily a military history.
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Todd Eisworth
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Ohio University |
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