Robert L. O'Connell, one of the most admired names in military history, tells the whole story of Cannae for the first time, giving a stirring account of this apocalyptic battle of the Second Punic War, and its causes and consequences.

Includes maps of: Mediterranean Basin at the Beginning of the Second Punic War (218 B.C.), and Hannibal's Lifetime Path; Italian Theater and Hannibal's March to Cannae; Cannae - Probable Force Dispositions Prior to Battle; Cannae - Springing the Trap; Cannae - Trap Sprung; Spanish Theater.

Traces of war -- Rome -- Carthage -- Hannibal's way -- The fox and the hedgehog -- Cannae -- Aftershocks -- The avengers -- Resurrecting the ghosts -- Eplogue : The shadow of Cannae.