Osprey Special Editions (Military) : Hannibal's War With Rome : The Armies and Campaigns 216 BC

Few battles in history have been as decisive and have held such an enduring fascination for both historians and generals as that of Cannae, the culmination of Hannibal's lengthy campaigns against Rome. In this special edition, a revised compilation of two of Osprey's most successful titles, Men-at-Arms 121 - Armies of the Carthaginian Wars and Campaign 36 - Cannae 216 BC, two scholars of the Classical world describe in detail the makeup of Hannibal's army, and the course of his epic campaigns from their base in Spain, the incredible crossing of the Alps and Hannibal's campaigns in Italy. Inevitably, because these two books were written separately and fused together for this compilation, there is no inter-reference, some subjects are covered twice and there is some disagreement. One criticism from a purely academic point of view is the use of primary classical sources. Instead of just 'Polybius says...' I would have preferred a footnote at least referencing the chapter or section this view could be found in a standard translation of the text. The two 'books' have to be read in conjunction to get the most of the whole. For example the wonderful painting of the Roman Tribune (found in the first book) is stated to be based on a figure found on a certain altar. It is not until you get to the second book, where this original altar figure is reproduced, can you judge for yourself the accuracy of the painting. On the whole a worthy compilation - an easy read and style and taken together the two books provide an excellent overview of the 2nd Punic War and its effects. Text by Terence Wise and Mark Healy with illustrations by Angus McBride and Richard Hook.

Contents

• Book One - Armies of the Carthaginian Wars
• Chronology of The Punic War
• The Carthaginians
• The Romans
• The Plates
• Sources
• Book Two - Hannibal's Wars
• Introduction
• The Opposing Leaders
• The Opposing Armies
• 218 - Ticinus and Trebbia
• 217 - Lake Trasimene
• 217-216 - The Fabian Strategy
• The Approach to Cannae
• The Battle of Cannae
• Aftermath
• Chronology of Cannae
• A Guide to Further Reading
• The Battlefield Today
• Wargaming Cannae