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Product Description
The world often misunderstands its greatest men while neglecting others entirely. Scipio Africanus, surely the greatest general that Rome produced, suffered both these fates. Today scholars celebrate the importance of Hannibal, even though Scipio defeated the legendary general in the Second Punic War and was the central military figure of his time. In this scholarly and heretofore unmatched military biography of the distinguished Roman soldier, Richard A. Gabriel establishes Scipio's rightful place in military history as the greater of the two generals. Before Scipio, few Romans would have dreamed of empire, and Scipio himself would have regarded such an ambition as a danger to his beloved republic. And yet, paradoxically, Scipio's victories in Spain and Africa enabled Rome to consolidate its hold over Italy and become the dominant power in the western Mediterranean, virtually ensuring a later confrontation with the Greco-Macedonian kingdoms to the east as well as the empire's expansion into North Africa and the Levant. The Roman imperium was being born, and it was Scipio who had sired it. Gabriel draws upon ancient texts, including those from Livy, Polybius, Diodorus, Silius Italicus, and others, as primary sources and examines all additional material available to the modern scholar in French, German, English, and Italian. His book offers a complete bibliography of all extant sources regarding Scipio's life. The result is a rich, detailed, and contextual treatment of the life and career of Scipio Africanus, one of Rome's greatest generals, if not the greatest of them all.
About the Author
(Potomac Books, Inc., 2008).
, all published by Potomac Books, Inc. He lives in Manchester, New Hampshire.
, all published by Potomac Books, Inc. He lives in Manchester, New Hampshire.
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Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Ancient Roman History,
By
This review is from: Scipio Africanus: Rome's Greatest General (Hardcover)
This exceptional book focuses on what is known about the life of Scipio Africanus, who has been acclaimed by many historians as one of the greatest generals of antiquity if not of all time. Using clearly identified ancient sources as well as modern scholarship, the author has reconstructed the highlights of Scipio's life - both military and political.In discussing Scipio's military campaigns, the author has provided very detailed descriptions of the armies involved, weapons used, battle strategies and ultimate outcomes. Where the ancient sources differ on some issues or describe events that are unlikely if not impossible, the author offers speculation as to what really happened; this is based on the analyses of other historian as well as his own personal views. The book's final chapter is an attempt at putting into perspective Scipio's qualities as a great general. The author is very clear, careful and detailed in his prose - something that is essential when describing battle scenes. He writes in a style that is at once generally lively, serious, widely accessible and often quite gripping. Although this excellent work may be enjoyed by anyone, it should be of particular interest to history enthusiasts, especially those with a penchant for Ancient Roman military history.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Insight !,
By Rex (Toronto Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Scipio Africanus: Rome's Greatest General (Hardcover)
Although this storey has been told before it was refreshing to read Richard Gabriel's take on it. He questions details of the Punic wars from a discerning and logical point of view. I found the book hard to put down and quickly consumed it. I consider Scipio Africanus not only Rome's greatest general but Rome's greatest statesman.
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The greater general?,
By Veronius (Toronto) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Scipio Africanus: Rome's Greatest General (Hardcover)
I probably shouldn't be writing this, as I haven't read the book! But I'm ordering it immediately.All I wanted to say was that I am intrigued by the debate over whether Hannibal or Scipio was the better of the two. I'm a Romanophile and so my sympathies are with Scipio, and I was very gratified to read Liddell Hart's biography in which he emphatically declares Scipio to be the greater (greater than not only Hannibal, but also Napoleon!). Nonetheless, I'm aware that there are equally emphatic opinions to the contrary, and until I discovered this book, I was under the impression that the weight of opinion was pretty decidedly resolved in Hannibal's favour. I'm glad to see that the debate continues, and I can't wait to read this book!
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