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The Ghosts of Cannae

Hannibal and the Darkest Hour of the Roman Republic
Dec 21, 2018rsaranha rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I read this book over the last few days. The prose is lucid, and, easy to read. It literally gave me a refresher of the First, and the Second Punic Wars. With regard to this, the book is an excellent read. However, the book generally underwhelms. I was expecting to read and learn more about the "Ghosts of Cannae". That never really happens. Their integration into the African invasion force of Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus, is given a few pages, at the end. I was expecting to read more about the social and cultural impacts of the systemic ostracization of these Roman soldiers by the Senate. We are treated to a more modern interpretation of Livy and Polybius, and, that is great. But, the question you should ask, is what does this book bring to the table? Giving it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. Cheers!!