The Ghosts of Cannae

The Ghosts of Cannae, by Robert L. O'Connell, provides a detailed and engaging account of the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC, one of antiquity’s most significant military confrontations, set against the larger context of the Second Punic War and Rome’s rivalry with Carthage. The book explores the battle’s strategic innovation, the fate of the Roman survivors, and the war’s broader historical impact, culminating in Rome’s eventual victory. Rich with memorable characters, it offers a compelling look at a pivotal moment in ancient history.