The Ghosts of Cannae: Hannibal and the Darkest Hour of the Roman Republic

NATIONAL BESTSELLER For millennia, Carthages triumph over Rome at Cannae in 216 B.C. has inspired reverence and awe. No general since has matched Hannibals most unexpected, innovative, and brutal military victory. Now Robert L. OConnell, one of the most admired names in military history, tells the whole story of Cannae for the first time, giving us a stirring account of this apocalyptic battle, its causes and consequences. OConnell brilliantly conveys how Rome amassed a giant army to punish Carthages masterful commander, how Hannibal outwitted enemies that outnumbered him, and how this disastrous pivot point in Romes history ultimately led to the republics resurgence and the creation of its empire. Piecing together decayed shreds of ancient reportage, the author paints powerful portraits of the leading players, from Hannibalresolutely sane and uncannily strategicto Scipio Africanus, the self-promoting Roman military tribune. Finally, OConnell reveals how Cannaes legend has inspired and haunted military leaders ever since, and the lessons it teaches for our own wars.