戰略家漢尼拔

Blackwell Ancient Lives

by Serge Lancel

　　這是一部漢尼拔的傳記。漢尼拔，由於在布匿克戰爭時，率領迦太基軍隊突襲羅馬而得名；他也是歷史上少數幾位以戰敗出名的將領之一。漢尼拔於西元前218年發動攻擊（還包括他率領象群越過阿爾卑斯山脈的著名事蹟），可說是古代歷史中最勇敢也最悲慘的一役。羅馬也是在擊敗漢尼拔之後，才得以將勢力伸入地中海，建立稱霸歐洲的羅馬共和國。

　　本書深入探索漢尼拔的性格與事業，並指出他作為西班牙迦太基軍隊的將領，如何蓄意的發動第二次布匿克戰爭，企圖一雪其之前敗於羅馬之恨。他行過阿爾卑斯，然後想從羅馬手中奪走義大利，這長達十餘年的征戰，具有無可避免的、悲劇性的魅力。在古希臘世界的舞台上，是對羅馬人的憎恨，驅策著漢尼拔的所作所為。他最後自殺以免成為羅馬的階下囚。

　　直到今天，關於漢尼拔的種種事蹟，都只是出於羅馬的觀點。在這本書裡，朗塞爾教授以他對迦太基的深厚認識，來解析漢尼拔的複雜性格，以及他那個時代的內在動力。針對這個古代歷史中最具有吸引力的人物，本書可說是最可靠的一本傳記，並對於希臘世界的沒落、羅馬的興起這段風起雲湧的時代，本書也提供了全新的觀點。

Genres: History, Biography, Ancient History, Nonfiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 1995

Reviews

['Aussie Rick' · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting account of Hannibal provided by this French author, who is a Professor of Archaeology at the University of Grenoble. He utilises most contempary and some modern accounts of Hannibal and his campaigns and also offers his views on those accounts to assist the reader in judging the accuracy of the text.

At times I found the narrative to become a bit muddled and somewhat dry but overall he offers a decent biography of this Great Commander. I would have appreciated a more in-depth account of his battles but the author does provide details of every facet of Hannibals campaigns including the political background at the time.

For those looking for a more detailed military history of Hannibal and his role in the Punic Wars I would recommend Nigel Bagnall's The Punic Wars or Adrian Goldsworthy's book; The Punic Wars. For a view from "the other side" I would recommend Scipio Africanus, Greater than Napoleon by Liddell Hart.

However if you just want one decent account of Hannibal and an over-view of his role in the second Punic War than this book should fit the bill.

[Mehdi Jemaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Différent de ce que l'on peut lire de la part d'historien tunisien et italien une lecture fort enrichissante

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice biography about the life of Hannibal. For me the second part of this book (after the battle of Cannae) was better to read then the first part to be honest. It's true that there isn't much detailed information about the battles but there are many other books for that. Would recommend this book to anyone who want to read about Hannibal's life and his accomplishments.

[Joe Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good book to introduce you to the life of Hannibal Barca and the Second Punic war. However, it felt a bit shallow in details and scope; hence the 3 star rating for me.

[Franck · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book I have ever read. I enjoyed the details of Hannibal journey to Rome with a detailed description of the battles.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dense but thorough account of Hannibal.