The Fall of Carthage

The Punic Wars 265-146BC

By: Adrian Goldsworthy

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

The struggle between Rome and Carthage in the Punic Wars was arguably the greatest and most desperate conflict of antiquity. The forces involved and the casualties suffered by both sides were far greater than in any wars fought before the modern era, while the eventual outcome had far-reaching consequences for the history of the Western World, namely the ascendancy of Rome.

An epic of war and battle, this is also the story of famous generals and leaders: Hannibal, Fabius Maximus, Scipio Africanus, and his grandson Scipio Aemilianus, who would finally bring down the walls of Carthage.

©2000 Adrian Goldsworthy (P)2018 Tantor

Goldsworthy Does it Again

Adrian Goldsworthy continues to impress readers with amazing insight, great writing and a tremendous story. The Punic Wars were perhaps once of the more interesting times in Roman history, and really the only time that Rome was ever truly threatened by an external enemy. Goldsworthy pulls you into the story, drawing upon what information remains from accounts of the time, and writes yet another amazing novel. In addition, the reading by Derek Perkins is another reason why I purchased this book. His ability to say some of the ancient Latin texts is simply amazing, and he reads in such a way that draws your attention to the story. Recommend this to anyone who enjoys learning about Ancient Rome or enjoys listening to Derek Perkins.

Excellent narration!

I love learning about the first Punic war, and I got so much from this book. The author even occasionally critiques the historians and offers views from their contemporaries of the time. Loved it, and will read it again.

Goldsworthy does a good job here.

I am only a history enthusiast, but I really enjoyed this book. It reads in between a general overview and an academic text. I wish more history books were like this one.

Great contextualization of the Punic Wars

An excellent description of the Punic wars as they were understood in their day.

Goldsworthy nails it

The writer is so good, that the weak point becomes the narrator, but there’s nothing wrong with him, just a little dry.