Source edition
Appianus. Appiani Historia romana, Volume 1. Mendelssohn, Ludwig, editor. Leipzig: Teubner, 1879.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This historical work offers a detailed narrative of the Italian campaign during the Second Punic War, instigated by the Carthaginian general Hannibal. The account begins with Hannibal assuming command in Iberia and undertaking his legendary crossing of the Alps to invade Italy. Through brilliant tactics and stratagems, most notably at the battles of Trebia and Cannae, Hannibal inflicts devastating defeats on the Roman armies, bringing the Republic to the brink of ruin. In response, Rome adopts a grueling war of attrition under Fabius and mounts a tenacious defense, leading to a protracted struggle over various Italian cities. The tide eventually turns with the defeat of Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal and Scipio's preparations to invade Africa, forcing Hannibal to withdraw from Italy. The work concludes with Hannibal's departure and Rome's subsequent efforts to punish rebellious allies and restore order across the peninsula.