Carthage's Other Wars: Carthaginian Warfare Outside the 'Punic Wars' Against Rome

Carthage was the western Mediterranean's first superpower, long before Rome, and her military history was powerful, eventful, and chequered even before her 'Punic Wars' against Rome. Although characterized in the surviving sources and modern studies as a predominantly mercantile state, Carthage fought many wars, both aggressive and defensive, before and in between the contests with the Roman parvenus. The Greek states of Sicily, above all Syracuse under its tyrants Dionysius the Great and then Agathocles, were her most resolute opponents, but in North Africa itself, in Sardinia, and later on in Spain she won-and sometimes lost-major wars. This is the first full-length study dedicated to these other wars which furthered Carthage's interests for over half a millennium. The book is based firmly and analytically on the ancient sources, and among many insights is that Carthage, though usually considered a naval power, did more fighting on land than at sea and with more success. AUTHOR: Dexter Hoyos has recently retired as Associate Professor of Classics at Sydney University. His previous works include Hannibal: Rome's Greatest Enemy (Phoenix Press/U. of Exeter Press, 2008); Truceless War: Carthage's Fight for Survival, 241-237 BC and Hannibal's Dynasty (Routledge, 2003). 16 b/w illustrations, 10 b/w maps

About the Author :
Author: Dexter Hoyos has recently retired as Associate Professor of Classics at Sydney University. His previous works include Hannibal: Rome's Greatest Enemy (Phoenix Press/U. of Exeter Press, 2008); Truceless War: Carthage's Fight for Survival, 241-237 BC and Hannibal's Dynasty (Routledge, 2003).

Review :
"[T]he book is a solid piece of research into a little covered area of Carthaginian history... and it is well recommended."-- "Thomo's Hole" "A good introduction to the history of Carthage but not focusing on the Punic Wars against Rome which have seen plenty of specialist books over the years. This book however is a detailed description of the founding and emergence of Carthage in its local context and then to its inevitable expansion and wars. Written in a relaxed style which will attract the general reader it also provides depth for those wanting to know more about the subject and leaves much admiration for the way a small city state forced its will on the Mediterranean - until the conclusion of the Punic Wars."--Michael McCarthy, Battlefield Guide "Books on Carthaginian campaigns outside the Punic Wars are rare. So, this new book [...] is very welcome. This book opens up a period that deserves closer attention and for that alone is worth a read."-- "Balkan Wargamer" "Historians have neglected the story of Carthage and its position as a Mediterranean Super Power, concentrating attention on the 'Punic Wars'. Although the story of the 'Punic Wars' was important to the Romans, notably because they eventually won when Carthage failed to support its outstanding general Hannibal, it is just one small part of the rise and dominance of Carthage. - Most Highly Recommended."-- "Firetrench" "It's well written with a populist touch, yet grounded in the available facts."-- "The Armourer" (1/1/2020 12:00:00 AM) "This is a very useful look at the rest of Punic military history, away from the very well studied Punic Wars, and a welcome addition to my library!"-- "History of War" "Carthage's Other Wars is a very good read for those with an interest in Classical Antiquity, and a reminder that the Romans were hardly the only imperialist warmongers of the ancient world."-- "StrategyPage" "Hoyos demonstrates his usual flair for discussion of maneuver and clash of arms, the elucidation of which is excellent, engaging, and thoroughly informative. [...] This book will be valuable to anyone wishing to bolster their knowledge of the ancient world and its warfare, from beginners and undergraduates to seasoned experts who wish to add to their knowledge of Rome's erstwhile main threat. It is therefore a worthy addition to any library devoted to ancient military history."-- "Journal of Military History" "[A] treasure trove of information... This is a book that anyone who has any interest in the time period should possess."-- "A Wargamers Needful Things"