Hannibal Crosses the Alps: The Invasion of Italy and the Punic Wars

by John Prevas

Book Overview

When he left his Spanish base one spring day in 218 B.C. with his 100,000-man army of mercenaries, officers, and elephants, Hannibal was launching not just the main offensive of the Second Punic War but also one of the great military journeys in ancient history. His masterful advance through rough terrain and fierce Celtic tribes proved his worth as a leader, but it was his extraordinary passage through the Alps--still considered treacherous even...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0306810700
• ISBN13: 9780306810701
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Fantastic. Once started, can't stop. Very Well Written

Even if one has no interest in history and is a little tired of reading business books then this book us for you. It will surely invigorate you. The story about Hannibal is truly inspirational and the book is so well written that it puts the entire context of ancient history into perspective. The first time I started reading it, I read for 8 hours straight and couldn't put it down. It is so well written that the author manages to make you feel that are living in that ancient times. A must read!

Ancient History Revived

I am writing as a high school Latin student of John Prevas and his work is nothing short of impressive. The thorough retelling of Hannibal Barca's trek against the Romans is brought to vivid life with deep explanations and descriptive text. It all starts with a Trojan prince deserting his woman and a historic lust for revenge to be fought for throughout the course of the three Punic Wars. Such a suspenseful history is elucidated with betrayals, ambushes, retreats, murders, chases and so much more. One can't help but admire the transformation and development of the Roman and Carthaginian worlds as they wait for each other. You will see the organization of some ragtag mercenaries and lower class Carthaginian turn into the greatest fighting force graced by ancient history. This very force is the one that eventually descended from the Alps to assault the Romans on their own land. Stories are cross-examined from ancient manuscripts and the author's own personal travels over the passages he recounts. This is a compelling, addictive book of marvelous composition. I definitely recommend this work to anyone interested in the era or even those who wish to learn of the amazing feats of one of the greatest war tacticians of all time. Enjoy!

A very good read

I like "Hannibal Crosses the Alps: The Enigma Re-Examined". Despite what the title of this book implies, it is as much about the historical context of the Roman/Carthaginian conflicts as it is about the myriad theories concerning the exact route Hannibal took through the Alps.Unless you know who Hannibal was and what he did - and I dare say that most people who are products of our U.S. public school systems are ignorant of those facts - then discussing the possible routes that Hannibal took on his way to Rome would be dull reading indeed. So, quite sensibly, the author treats the reader with a very well written account of what we know about the Carthaginian civilization at that time, along with relevant details about the Romans. Did you know that the Carthaginians were Phoenician and practiced infanticide? I didn't.All the major events of the three Punic wars are covered without getting bogged down with too many details. So I think most people will find this book a good read. However, in all likelihood those who already know the story of Hannibal will not learn anything new about this period of Roman history.As for the author's theory that Hannibal crossed the Alps following the Drome River through the Traversette pass, all I can really say is that he's not only an expert in classical history but an Alpine climber to boot - a combination that to my mind allows John Prevas to write with a bit of authority on this matter. This particular route has been largely ignored by most scholars and after reading John Prevas' arguments, it should be taken as a very serious candidate.For those looking for a readable introduction to Hannibal spiced with some unique detective work, this book cannot be beat.

John Prevas has written a great book.

I think that John Prevas wrote a great book about Hannibal. He is an exceptional man because he tought me at Thomas Stone High School this past year and he knows whats he is talking about in this book.

A work of epic proportion

I have had the opportunity to read the book and meet the author. An extraordinary book by an extraordinary man.