Hannibal's Children - Hardcover

Roberts, John Maddox

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0441009336 ISBN 13: 9780441009336

Publisher: Ace Hardcover, 2002

Synopsis

In a new alternate history saga, more than one hundred years after Rome falls to the great Carthaginian general Hannibal and its inhabitants are sent into exile, the Romans have re-grouped, stronger and more powerful than ever, and are primed for the ultimate battle for supremacy of the ancient world.

About this title

About the Author

In addition to his works of science fiction and fantasy, John Maddox Roberts is also the author of the SPQR books, a series of mystery novels set in ancient Rome.

Reviews

What would have happened if Hannibal had received the reinforcements necessary for him to topple the Roman Empire? That fascinating "what if" is the central premise of Roberts's (the SPQR series) latest historical novel, which begins with the arrival of Philip V of Macedon and his formidable army at a pivotal point in the series of wars between Carthage and Rome, allowing the brilliant Hannibal to force a surrender in which the Romans are driven north out of Italy. Fast-forward a hundred years: the Romans are plotting their revenge against Hannibal's progeny, starting with a trade mission-cum-military espionage expedition led by Marcus Scipio. Scipio does a thorough job of sizing up the capabilities of the Carthaginians before leaving behind his rival, Titus Norbanus, to manage that situation in Carthage while he embarks on a similar expedition to Egypt. He then plans an ingenious series of maneuvers to retake Italy, pitting the Carthaginians against the Egyptians while manipulating both the queen of Egypt and Hannibal's heir, Hamilcar II, before a series of dramatic battles that feature the innovative war technology of the era. Roberts occasionally gets bogged down in military minutiae and cultural rituals, but his portraits of the various leaders and rivals are first-rate and his knowledge of the period is unassailable. He does an admirable job of navigating through a difficult and challenging conceit, providing plenty of reflective material for history buffs while constructing an intriguing story line that pays tribute to the ingenuity of the Romans.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Just over a century after the triumphant army of Carthage expelled the Romans from Italy, the children of those exiled Roman families launch a campaign to reclaim their heritage. A small diplomatic delegation led by young commander Marcus Scipio enters the Carthaginian capital and meets with the descendants of the legendary Hannibal, the priestess Zarabel, and her brother and rival, Hamilcar II, forging relations that initiate unforeseen consequences for Carthaginians and Romans alike. The author of The King's Gambit and The Catiline Conspiracy provides a well-researched and vivid alternate history of the rivalry between Rome and Carthage. Recommended for most sf and general fiction collections.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Ace Hardcover
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0441009336
• ISBN 13: 9780441009336
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 368