The Alps of Hannibal

A major contribution to a scholarly dispute, this two-volume 1866 publication examines several theories regarding Hannibal's crossing of the Alps.

William John Law (Author)

9781108079495, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 November 2014

358 pages, 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 2 cm, 0.46 kg

Controversial for centuries, the route across the Alps taken by Hannibal, his Carthaginian army and his famous elephants in 218 BCE formed the basis of an extended scholarly dispute between William John Law (1786–1869) and Robert Ellis (1819/20–85). Fought in the pages of books and the Journal of Classical and Sacred Philology, their exchanges lasted several years. Ellis' Treatise on Hannibal's Passage of the Alps (1853) and An Enquiry into the Ancient Routes between Italy and Gaul (1867) are also reissued in this series. Published in 1866, this two-volume work was Law's major contribution to the debate, examining the various theories and historical accounts. Modern scholarship has questioned, however, whether either man was right. Volume 1 examines the accounts of Polybius, using numerous modern measurements to try to gauge their accuracy. It also evaluates the reliability of previous suggestions for Hannibal's route at each stage of the journey.

Preface
Part I. The Controversy: 1. The controversy
2. The subjects proposed, and method of treating it
Part II. On the Authority of Polybius: 1. His journey through the Alps
2. Strictures of Dr Ukert
3. The Polybian map of M. Gosselin
4. On the stade of Polybius, and his distances
Part III. Polybius Interpreted: Passage of the Rhone: 1. Introduction
2. Passage of the Rhone near Roquemaure
3. Theory of Tarascon
4. Tarascon theory
Part IV. Polybius Interpreted: The Beginning of Alps: 1. The march of 1,400 stadia
2. The Mont du Chat fulfils all the requisites of Polybius
3. Adverse theories on the beginning of Alps
4. Theories of tracks south of Isère
Part V. The Mountain March: Ascent: 1. Some theories are not worked out beyond their first Alps
2. Ascent to the Little St Bernard
3. Ascent to the Mont Cenis
4. Ascent to the Little Mont Cenis
Part VI. The Mountain March: Summit: 1. Hannibal encamps on the summit for two days
2. No practicable summit gives a view of Italy
Part VII. The Mountain March: Descent: 1. Descent from the Little St Bernard
2. Hannibal came down boldly into the plain of the Po
3. On the time employed in descent
4. On passes between Little St Bernard and the Cenis.

Subject Areas: Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]