title: Hannibal: The Military Biography of Rome's Greatest Enemy
author:  Richard A. Gabriel 
description: <DIV>&quot;Richard Gabriel&rsquo;s <I>Hannibal</I> is a worthy successor to his books on Subotai, Muhammad, Scipio Africanus, Thutmose III, and Philip of Macedon. Informed equally by the author&rsquo;s encyclopedic knowledge of antiquity and his own military background, <I>Hannibal</I> is a highly readable military biography of a brilliant tactician who failed to understand the culture of his Roman enemy and thus could win battle after battle, but never the war. Gabriel has once again made a significant contribution to our understanding of warfare in antiquity, one that scholars and general readers will find fascinating.&rdquo;&mdash;Keith Poulter, editor of <I>Military Chronicles</I></DIV> (Keith Poulter)<br /><br /><DIV>&quot;This work presents a superb blend of biographical narrative, strategic and tactical analysis, and an impressive presentation of source materials to create a comprehensive study of one of antiquity&rsquo;s greatest commanders. In his latest effort, Gabriel offers new insights and explanations for Hannibal&rsquo;s successes and ultimate failure, casting one of history&rsquo;s most famous commanders in a completely new light. This book is a must for anyone with an interest in warfare in antiquity and in the late Roman Republican period.&quot;&mdash;Christopher A. Matthew, Macquarie University, Australia, and author of <I>A Storm of Spears: A Reappraisal of Hoplite Combat</I></DIV> (Christopher A. Matthew)<br /><br /><DIV>&quot;In <I>Hannibal</I>, perhaps his best book yet, the distinguished military historian Richard Gabriel examines the life and campaigns of the great Carthaginian general in the Second Punic War. Gabriel explains how Hannibal turned a multicultural mass of Carthaginians, Iberians, Gauls, and others into one of the most effective armies in history, with which he very nearly destroyed the rising power of Rome. Combining a brilliant analysis of the strategic intricacies of the war, and a detailed examination of Hannibal&rsquo;s strategy and tactics, with a careful analysis of largely overlooked logistical issues, Gabriel has produced a very valuable work of ancient military history that will interest and impress historians and general readers alike.&quot;&mdash;Albert A. Nofi, contributor for <I>Military Chronicles</I> and author of <I>To Train the Fleet for War</I></DIV> (Albert A. Nofi)
zlib_text: AUGUSTUS
  
   _By the same author_
  
  NON-FICTION
  
  The Roman Army at War, 100 BC–AD 200  
  Roman Warfare  
  The Fall of Carthage: The Punic Wars 265–146 BC  
  Cannae: Hannibal’s Greatest Victory  
  The Complete Roman Army  
  In the Name of Rome: The Men Who Won the Roman Empire  
  Caesar: The Life of a Colossus  
  The Fall of the West: The Death of the Roman Superpower  
  Antony and Cleopatra
  
  FICTION
  
  True Soldier Gentlemen  
  Beat the Drums Slowly  
  Send Me Safely Back Again  
  All in Scarlet Uniform  
  Run Them Ashore
  
   **AUGUSTUS**
  
  >  _First Emperor of Rome_
  
  ADRIAN GOLDSWORTHY
  
  > ![](Images/image00494.jpeg)
  
  First published 2014 in the United States by Yale University  
  Press and in Great Britain by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
  
  Copyright © 2014 by Adrian Goldsworthy.
  
  All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced, in whole or in part,
  including illustrations, in any form (beyond that copying permitted by
  Sections 107 and 108 of the U.S. Copyright Law and except by reviewers for the
  public pres