The Punic Wars (original 2000; edition 2001)

This detailed history of the conflict between Rome and Carthage is very well written. Goldsworthy helps the reader keep all the battles and commanders straight, and the story is sweeping and dramatic. Favorite quote: "The Romans expected a war to end in total victory or their own annihilation." Hmmm. ( )

Like most people the only thing I knew about the Punic Wars before reading this book was the old story of Hannibal crossing the Alps with his elephants - perhaps with the odd notion of Scipio Africanus and the battle of Zama in there somewhere. Adrian Goldsworthy in this book rapidly corrects this knowledge deficiency offering a rather excellent overview of the three Punic Wars.

Goldsworthy begins his account by describing the situation between Rome and Carthage before the first Punic War - highlighting the differences between the two states and their differing approaches to war and conflict. Rome as is shown was far removed in many respects from the old Hellenistic version of war making - treating each war as one of survival where hostilities would continue far after other states such as Carthage would sue for peace and begin negotiations. The composition of both Roman and Carthaginian armies are also set out, showing their respective strengths and weaknesses in a way that is both rapid and impressive. The notions that Goldsworthy imparts are clearly detailed and complex, but due to his skills as an author they hardly feel so, making the book particularly easy to digest.

The overview of all three ways is done well, with particular emphasis being laid on the first and second wars. Goldsworthy also doesn't shy away from the fact that much of our knowledge of the period is spotty. and takes care to note when one of his sources may be considered questionable - doing much to bolster his own credibility in the process. The maps included are generally okay, though in some cases areas mentioned in the text are not adequately shown in these. Overall though I would strongly recommend this volume for those looking to get a nice general overview of the conflicts and it should be appropriate for those who have no prior knowledge of the ancient world or Roman history in particular. ( )

I've had enough of the word "whilst." I've never really read military history before. I'm teaching a Nepos unit (Hannibal) this term and wanted some solid basic knowledge of customs and routines, as well as specifics on battles and geography. This book has provided all of that. It's not as good as anything Anthony Everitt (Cicero, Augustus) has written, but not many out there are. ( )

3790. The Punic Wars, by Adrian Goldsworthy (read 27 Aug 2003) This is a straight historical account of the three Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage, and I was surprised to find that it was not as interesting as I expected. I guess I like a little more dramatics infused into historical writing than Goldsworthy supplies. But I felt resonances between the attitude of Rome before and during the third Punic War and the role which today this administration imperialistically appears to seek in our world: nations better behave the way we want or we will make do so. ( )