Few people in history have achieved more, yet with such fatal consequences for the cause that they supported, than Hannibal. In this lively and accessible study Robert Garland explores Hannibal"s fascinating but complex personality in the light of his extraordinary military and political career, which made him one of history"s greatest survivors. He was certainly Rome"s most formidable adversary, and the man who came closest to destroying her power base in Italy. At the same time Hannibal did more than anyone else to bring Carthage to the edge of ruin. His endurance in guiding his army and his elephants over the Alps tested the limits of what is humanly possible. And even at the end of his life, he never yielded an inch to his enemies. Garland investigates Hannibal"s unintended yet powerful legacy and concludes that he is both an inspiration and a warning to anyone who dreams big dreams.