The Punic Wars: Rome, Carthage and the Struggle for the Mediterranean

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title The Punic Wars: Rome, Carthage and the Struggle for the Mediterranean
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Nigel Bagnall
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:368
Dimensions(mm): Height 234,Width 153
Category/GenreEuropean history
World history
African history
World history - BCE to c 500 CE
ISBN/Barcode 9780712666084
ClassificationsDewey:937.04
Audience
General
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations 8

Publishing Details

Publisher Vintage
Imprint Pimlico
Publication Date 7 January 1999
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

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.

Author Biography

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.

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 *