Overview

A vivid and fascinating study of the conflict between Rome and Cathage which changed the course of world history. The Punic Wars (264-146BC) sprang from a mighty power struggle between two ancient civilisations - the trading empire of Carthage and the military confedoration of Rome. It was a period of astonishing human misfortune, lasting over a period of 118 years and resulting in the radical depletion of Rome's population and resources and the complete annihilation of Carthage. All this took place more than 2,000 years ago, yet, as Nigel Bagnall's comprehensive history demonstrates, the ancient conflict is remarkable for its contemporary revelance.

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9780712666084

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Reviews

A serious and well-informed book on the wars between Rome and Carthage...it is, however, not simply a piece of disinterested research but a tale with a moral for current politics...On the interplay of strategic and operational decisions, on the risks of politics in time of war, on the importance of morale: this book gives much food for reflection Spectator His book is to be commended...It is a fine piece of military and political history...a clear and convincing account of what happened, devoid of any high-flown romanticism...He constructs his analysis in such a way as to demonstrate that what happened...might just happen again Economist A modern Field-Marshal applies his strategic expertise to the greatest confrontation of classical times... Bagnall's analysis is leavened with character sketches and dry humour Independent

A serious and well-informed book on the wars between Rome and Carthage...it is, however, not simply a piece of disinterested research but a tale with a moral for current politics...On the interplay of strategic and operational decisions, on the risks of politics in time of war, on the importance of morale: this book gives much food for reflection * Spectator * His book is to be commended...It is a fine piece of military and political history...a clear and convincing account of what happened, devoid of any high-flown romanticism...He constructs his analysis in such a way as to demonstrate that what happened...might just happen again * Economist * A modern Field-Marshal applies his strategic expertise to the greatest confrontation of classical times... Bagnall's analysis is leavened with character sketches and dry humour * Independent *

A stirring tale, well told by an author with a distinguished military career to inform him. The Punic Wars of 264-146BC haunted the Romans and have fascinated people ever since. The clash of expansionist powers made terrible demands on both sides before Rome achieved ultimate victory and was set on her road to controlling the entire known world. Though Hannibal's feat with the elephants resonates most keenly, Bagnell's campaign-by-campaign analysis seeks to show that this desperate, long-lasting conflict offers practical and political lessons that still have relevance. It makes a gripping piece of military history. (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

Sir Nigel Bagnall was born in India in 1927. He joined the British Army in 1945 and served in Palestine, Malaya, Borneo, the Canal Zone, Cyprys, Singapore and Germany. He ended his distinguished military career as Chief of the General Staff in London and was also an Honorary fellow of Balliol College, Oxford. He died in April 2002.

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