Hannibal's Dynasty Power and Politics in the Western Mediterranean, 247-183 BC

Hannibal has always been the most famous member of the Barcid dynasty, which dominated Cathage and its empire in Africa and Spain in the latter half of the third century BC. However, Dexter Hoyos' revealing study makes it clear that Carthaginian success was founded on the military and political skills of more than one member of this remarkable family.

It was Hannibal's father, Hamilcar Barca, who relaunched Carthage as an imperial power after disastrous wars; Hamilcar's son-in-law Hasdrubal further developed the new "imperium "in the face of Roman suspicion and opportunism. Only then was Carthage's historical zenith reached by Hannibal and his two remarkable brothers in the war with Rome from 218-201 BC.

Accessible and enlightening, Hannibal's Dynasty provides the full story of Carthage's achievement, going beyond the usual focus on Hannibal and military matters alone to look at a wide range of political and diplomatic issues too. Dexter Hoyos shows how the aristocratic Barcid family won dominance in the free republic of Carthage, and how they exploited family connections to lead Carthage to greatness at home and abroad. For students of Hannibal, his dynasty and his legacy - this is the book to read.

Introduction I The heights of Heircte and Eryx II Carthage III The revolt of Africa IV Barca supreme V Hamilcar in Spain VI Hasdrubal’s consolidation VII Hannibal in Spain VIII The invasion of Italy IX Three great victories X Hannibal’s Italian league XI Indecisive war XII The defeat of Hasdrubal XIII Africa invaded XIV Defeat XV Post-war eclipse XVI Hannibal suffete XVII The end of the Barcids XVIII Sources

Dexter Hoyos