Hannibal's Oath

The Life and Wars of Rome's Greatest Enemy

By: John Prevas

Narrated by: Brad Raymond

According to the ancient sources, Hannibal was nine years old when his father led him to the temple at Carthage and dipped the young boy's hands in the blood of the sacrificial victim. Before those gods, Hannibal swore an oath of eternal hatred toward Rome.

Few images in history have managed to capture and hold the popular imagination quite like that of Hannibal, the fearless North African, perched on a monstrous elephant, leading his mercenaries over the Alps, and then, against all odds, descending the ice-covered peaks to challenge Rome in her own backyard for mastery of the ancient world. It was a bold move, and it established Hannibal as one of history's greatest commanders. But this same brilliant tactician is also one of history's most tragic figures; fate condemned him to win his battles but not his war against Rome.

An internationally recognized expert on Hannibal for nearly thirty years, historian John Prevas has visited every Hannibal-related site and mountain pass, from Tunisia to Italy, Spain to Turkey, seeking evidence to dispel the myths surrounding Hannibal's character and his wars.

Hannibal's Oath is an easily readable yet comprehensive biography of this iconic military leader--an epic account of a monumental and tragic life.

Critic reviews

"Here, at last, is a biography worthy of one of history's most fascinating figures, whose crossing of the Alps with elephants to take on the mighty Roman Empire has captured imaginations for more than two thousand years. Written with a verve Hannibal would have admired, John Prevas's absorbing masterpiece will grip you from beginning to end."--Steve Forbes, bestselling author and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine

"Fascinating, authoritative, and an absolute joy to read, Hannibal's Oath is the definitive account of one of history's most enigmatic and important figures. A must for every lover of history, adventure, and unparalleled intrigue. No one brings history to life like John Prevas!"--Brad Thor, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Use of Force

A fresh look at arguably the greatest general of all time

I have been obsessed with Hannibal Parker since I read Adrian Goldsworthy “Punic wars”. There was a lot of great info in here that I had never known before and lots of material on his peace time career of which most biographies have glossed over.

If you are a fan of that era or the man, it’s a must read .

Bombastic performance

An overwrought American English narration. A bombastic performance by Brad Raymond who suffered mispronouncing names or Americanizing them. The American English’s accent doesn’t comport with a story or a historical account that occurs outside of America. A British accent is preferable—at least it would lend this book more credibility. An American accent is bland, cubic, geometrical. And that is the great weakness in this Audible, besides Raymond’s American’s lack of sensitivity to the English language.

Good listen

This was a fun listen. A little repetitive at times, but enjoyable nonetheless. Seems like this guy did his homework and does a fantastic job of bringing the ancient world to life. The narrator was a little too American sounding for my taste. But he performed admirably as well.