Hannibal

By: Patrick N. Hunt

Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart

One of the greatest commanders of the ancient world brought vividly to life: Hannibal, the brilliant general who successfully crossed the Alps with his war elephants and brought Rome to its knees.

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 archaeological expeditions in the Alps and elsewhere to study Hannibal's achievements. Now he brings Hannibal's incredible story to life in this riveting and dramatic audiobook.

©2017 Patrick N. Hunt (P)2018 Tantor

Critic reviews

"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, starred review)

Fantastic

The narration was great and the whole book really goes into detail on Hannibal. Highly recommend this book.

Always amazing!

Never a dull moment in this fascinating story. Always leaves me appreciating Hannibal’s stratagem and ultimate choice. Well told, decent narrator,

Story amazing. Narrator was too choppy.

The story itself is absolutely fascinating. The only problem I have with this is the narrator. Well written book. Narrator got a bit too choppy a few times.

Phenomenal

A perfect next step in relearning what the text books neglected to inform us of. Amazing story of an amazing general

The Philip freeman book is shorter and has similar chapters

This should likely be read in conjunction with Philip Freeman characterization of Hannibal, and the end chapter of his legacy is to read