A very interesting way of reading History. If we consider that historians are like journalists, reporting what happened in the past, then we can understans some of Mommsen comments and remarks. He obviously wasn't neutral at all, and you can tell, along the whole book, that he was a complete fan of the Roman Empire, as well as an admirer of Hannibal's talent. Mommsen's social and political prejudices against some races and social classes just pop up along the reading but, do we really think that historians or journalists are actually objective? Like most modern journalists, Mommsen doesn't hesitate and goes much farther than just reporting what was happening in the war. He gives his opinion, he concludes and judges, he assumes things and he takes a position, which I personally found really enjoyable. Of course, I didn't always agree but, even when it was written some hundred years ago, it was a refreshing reading. I would love to read the other books.