Hannibal's Dynasty: Power and Politics in the Western Mediterranean, 247-183 BC

by Dexter Hoyos

Accessible and enlightening, Hannibal's Dynasty provides the full story of Carthage's achievement, going beyond the usual focus on Hannibal and military matters alone to look at a wide range of political and diplomatic issues too. Dexter Hoyos shows how the aristocratic Barcid family won dominance in the free republic of Carthage, and how they exploited family connections to lead Carthage to greatness at home and abroad. For students of Hannibal, his dynasty and his legacy - this is the book to read.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ancient, Ancient History

328 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2003

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

[Legens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly narrated (which is hard to do for such a complex, multi-theater topic). A critical assessment of Hannibal who is neither lionized nor damned. Does a great job in making you remember the various similar-or-same-name bearing lesser figures (especially the Carthaginians).

[Riq Hoelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great assembly of disparate sources with excellent discussion of which are more likely to be correct. Also good on the First Punic War, events in Spain between the wars, Hannibal as political leader after the Second Punic War and his subsequent flight and work with Antiochus. One of the few books on this topic willing to critique the Barcas, for example their poor conceptualization of sea power and lack of ability with sieges (the little town of Saguntum took Hannibal eight months and he never essayed Rome at all).