Hannibal's Oath: The Life and Wars of Rome's Greatest Enemy by John Prevas

4 Stars

Vincere scis, Hannibal, Victoria uti nescis.

You know how to win, Hannibal, but not how to use victory.



I love reading about history and war because it makes me feel better about how deplorably we as humans are doing, right now. There's something about the never-ending cavalcade of conquest, unbridled greed, and violence that soothes me. 



For the non-experts and forgetful, all the ancient geographical names and political/ethnic groups are given their contemporary names as well so that it's easy to follow along how much we have NOT changed. Bless us humans. Additionally, the writing is that of a friendly confidential, eminently readable and filled with snippets of gossip and what not to liven up the bare facts. Want to tell me about the scurrilous rumors surrounding great leaders' sexuality from Alexander the Great to Hamilcar to Julius Caesar with charming old world insults--Absolutely yes, thank you. 

"[H]usband to many a woman and wife to many a man." re: Julius Caesar, and Alexander the Great had much the same reputation. 



And frankly, human sacrifice never gets old. I'm not talking about the noble kind, but rather the good ole appease the gods with blood and flesh of the pre-substantiation kind. It wasn't always symbolic. And that's just the beginning! I mean Hannibal's adherence to his oath makes the Godfather movies look unfocused and soft by comparison. 

Spoiler, not spoiler: Italy 2200 years later is still a collective of semi-autonomous city states. Again, supply chain management--this is how wars are lost. Best part is how each player looks at the chessboard and sees a totally different game. No one imagined the Alps were passable. 

Plus, we are blessed with gems like this: 

It was no longer a battle, it was a massacre--un sanguinoso--a bloodbath, lending its name to a nearby town, Sanguineto.

Best yet, as every good soldier knows--you need an exit strategy. And at the end, Hannibal was prepared. If you're looking for a hard academic read or military science breakdown, then this is probably not your book, but the interested layperson is going to find this a quick and informative read. 

One of my favorite generals