As authors, we often find ourselves diving into the deepest corners of our imagination, seeking inspiration from the most unexpected sources. The spark of creativity might ignite from a brief interaction, an overheard conversation, or perhaps an image that constantly lingers in our mind for whatever reason.

It’s the bewitching allure of the written word – the ability to write a story of either fact or fiction from an ostensibly mundane experience or an unlikely source. The genesis of my book, “The Ivory General,” was no different. It came to fruition from a place of curiosity, a hunger for knowledge and an insatiable desire to explore.

Literature provides a playground for curious minds, where a simple idea could blossom into an intricate title.

I was inspired to write “The Ivory General” by an unexpected source – the American TV series “Spartacus.” Yes, it sounds cliche, a writer drawing inspiration from a popular TV show. But it was not the gladiatorial combat or the provocative plot that captivated me; it was Ancient Rome’s history.

The show transported me to a world of historical events, where I became engrossed in the culture, customs, and, most importantly, the conflicts. Much has been said, written, and produced about certain periods of Ancient Rome, but I realized that most of it falls within the lives and rules of the most recognizable names, i.e., Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, and so on.

So, this made me think: how about those less documented and relatively unknown figures? How many of their stories have been told, and how many have been obscured by time?

Hannibal and the Second Punic War

Indeed, most history enthusiasts would be familiar with Hannibal, the Carthaginian general who was a torn to the Roman Empire during the Second Punic War. His audacious journey across the Alps, particularly, is etched indelibly in the chronicles of military history as an astounding feat of strategic brilliance.

Nevertheless, the mainstream awareness of Hannibal’s exploits often begins and ends with this narrative. Unfortunately, this singular aspect of his military career overshadows the rest of his remarkable exploits, thus ignoring the broader context of his life and the Second Punic War.

The Second Punic War, which spanned from 218 BC to 201 BC, was a significant conflict in the early history of Rome. Named after the Latin term for the Carthaginians, ‘Punici,’ this war was the second of three notable battles fought between Rome and Carthage, the major powers of the Western Mediterranean.

Hannibal’s achievement across the Alps was just the beginning. Following his successful crossing, Hannibal won a series of decisive victories in Italy, seriously threatening the Roman Republic’s existence. His genius in military tactics was evident in battles such as Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and, most famously, Cannae, where he used a risky but effective enveloping strategy that nearly wiped out the entire Roman army.

However, despite Hannibal’s brilliance on the battlefield, he faced significant limitations. He had limited reinforcements from Carthage, his Numidian cavalry (considered the best light cavalry of the time) was not as effective in Italy’s hilly terrain, and crucially, he lacked the necessary siege equipment to attack Rome itself effectively.

Meanwhile, Rome avoided pitched battles and focused on recapturing the territories lost to Hannibal. This led to a prolonged and costly war of attrition. Simultaneously, Rome opened up a second front in Spain, preventing further reinforcements from reaching Hannibal.

The war eventually turned in favour of Rome, with their victory in the Battle of Metaurus in 207 BC and the recapture of Spain. The final blow came in 202 BC at the Battle of Zama, near Carthage, where Roman general Scipio Africanus defeated Hannibal, effectively ending the Second Punic War. This marked a significant shift in power dynamics in the Mediterranean, setting the stage for Rome’s eventual transformation into an Empire.

Carthage

The city-state of Carthage, often overshadowed by the grand narrative of Rome’s eventual triumph in the Second Punic War, is a treasure trove of history and culture. This North African civilization, viewed through the biased lens of the Roman victors, has been relegated to the margins of mainstream historical discourse, its rich history diluted and its exploits mitigated.

While the audacious military maneuvers of Hannibal are celebrated, the depth of Carthaginian civilization – its innovative naval capabilities, prosperous trade networks, intricate societal structures, and remarkable resilience – often goes unmentioned. Beyond Rome’s adversary, Carthage was a formidable power in its own right, a fact often eclipsed by Rome’s eventual dominance.

Carthage’s rich history experienced a tragic end in 146 BC, when Romans, victorious in the Third Punic War, brutally razed the city. The Roman intention was not merely geographical or military conquest but the complete eradication of Carthaginian culture and history. They systematically destroyed Carthaginian monuments, records, and works of art, attempting to wipe out the physical embodiment of its identity.

As a result, Carthaginian legacy was almost lost in the sands of time, its historical footprint obscured by the sweeping wave of Roman imperialism. This sad spectacle of one civilization attempting to obliterate another is quite the recurring theme in human history and a grim reminder of the destructive potential of power wielded without restraint.

Telling the Untold

As an author, I feel a burden of responsibility to fill this historical void and shed light on the underrepresented aspects of Carthaginian history. The narrative that has largely survived is undoubtedly skewed, tainted by the Roman perspective, and missing the depth and nuances of Carthaginian civilization.

My ambition is to resurrect Carthage’s lost legacy, reimagine its vibrant streets, bustling ports, and towering fortresses, and breathe life into the characters who once walked its terrain. It is a daunting task that I undertake with fervour and humility, acknowledging the significance of accurate historical representation in shaping our understanding of the past.

To me, to unearth and illuminate the obscured narrative of Carthage feels more than just a writer’s calling. This project serves as my attempt to balance the scales of historical narrative, giving Carthage the recognition it deserves and acknowledging Ancient Rome’s resilience and enduring legacy in shaping the world we know today.

The Ivory General will be released later this year…