Roving Mars

A history of the Carthaginian general’s crossing of the Alps, invasion of Italy, and ravaging of the Roman empire during the Second Punic War.

“A story replete with high drama, immense human suffering, endurance, strategic brilliance, and stupidity born of arrogance.” —Booklist

When he left his Spanish base one spring day in 218 B.C. with his one hundred,zero-man army of mercenaries, Carthaginian officers, and elephants, Hannibal embarked on one of the most daring maneuvers in military history. His advance through rough terrain and fierce Celtic tribes proved his worth as a leader, but it was his extraordinary passage through the Alps—a feat still considered treacherous by experienced climbers with ultra-modern equipment—that made him legend.

John Prevas combines rigorous research of ancient sources with his own excursions through the icy peaks to bring to life this awesome trek. While shedding fresh light on both the centuries-old question of Hannibal’s exact route and the cultures of Rome and Carthage, Prevas entertains us with the engaging personalities, strategies, errors, and consequences that surrounded one of the greatest clashes of empires the world has ever known. Page by page, he masterfully brings to life the towering figure of Hannibal Barca.