Truceless War: Carthage's Fight for Survival, 241 to 237 BC

by Dexter Hoyos (Contributor)

The revolt of Carthage's mercenaries and oppressed Libyan subjects in 241-237 BC nearly ended her power and even existence. This 'truceless' war, unrivalled for its savagery, was fought over most of Punic North Africa and spread to Sardinia. It brought to power in Carthage Hamilcar Barca, father of Hannibal, whose generalship--though flawed--was critical to Carthage's final victory. The main narrative, by the Greek historian Polybius a century later, is vividly evocative (inspiring Flaubert's novel Salammbô ) yet repeatedly unclear on military and geographical details, the extent and structure of the rebel coalition, and chronology. Truceless War analyses Polybius and other sources to present a coherent and absorbing study of the war's causes and events, and of Polybius' historiographical methods.

Genres: History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Dexter Hoyos is retired Associate Professor of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Sydney, Australia. His many books include, most recently, Hannibal: Rome's Greatest Enemy, The Carthaginians, A Companion to the Punic Wars, Livy: Rome's Italian Wars (with J. C. Yardley), and A Companion to Roman Imperialism.

Reviews

[Alberto Martín de Hijas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un completo análisis de la Guerra de los Mercenarios en Cartago (El mismo conflicto en el que se basa la magistral novela de Flaubert) Compara el estudio de la fuente principal del conflicto (Polibio) con otras fuentes para dar una amplia descripción de sus causas y evolución. Evidentemente no vemos a la (ficticia) hija de Amílcar pero es un retrato claro y ameno de un conflicto poco conocido hoy en día.