On 2 August 216BC, Hannibal won his greatest victory in the plain north of the small, hilltop town of Cannae in southern Italy. By the end of the day his outnumbered mercenaries had enveloped and massacred the greater part of the largest army Rome had ever fielded, turning this into one of the bloodiest battles ever fought, rivalling even the industrialised slaughter of the twentieth century AD. For the Romans Cannae became the yardstick by which other defeats were measured, never surpassed and only once or twice equalled in the next six centuries. Cannae remains one of the most famous battles ever fought, frequently alluded to in modern military writing, and Hannibals tactics are still taught in the military academies where todays officers are trained. This volume is a brand new look at the battle, and explains clearly and concisely exactly how it was that Hannibal achieved his historic victory.

About the Author

Adrian Goldsworthy has a doctorate from Oxford University. His first book, THE ROMAN ARMY AT WAR was recognised by John Keegan, the general Editor of The History of Warfare series, as an exceptionally impressive work, original in treatment and impressive in style. His other books include THE FALL OF CARTHAGE, and the volume on Roman Warfare in John Keegan's Cassell History of Warfare series.

Prizes

To be reissued with a brand new cover treatment alongside the new paperback edition of Caesar Adrian Goldsworthy's books have been reprinted many times Includes a Foreword by Richard Holmes A concise and readable account of one of the most famous military actions of all time Illustrated with specially commissioned maps and photography