The Roman Hannibal: Remembering The Enemy In Si... -

A particularly compelling moment identified in the book is Hannibal's final speech (17.605–15), where he seemingly acknowledges the Roman literary tradition that has constructed his identity. Availability and Further Reading

Stocks shows how Silius constructs Hannibal using literary models like Homer’s Achilles and Virgil’s Aeneas. The roman Hannibal: remembering the enemy in Si...

He is celebrated for his tactical genius but demonized for supposed greed and cruelty, creating a complex "anti-hero" status. Key Themes Explored in the Scholarship A particularly compelling moment identified in the book

Other researchers, such as those published in the Journal of Ancient History and Social Sciences , highlight how Hannibal evokes the "tragic tyrants" of Seneca through his destructive emotions, such as ira (anger) and furor (fury). Key Themes Explored in the Scholarship Other researchers,

Despite being the ultimate enemy, Hannibal's military acumen, loyalty to his cause, and persistence make him a mirror for Roman identity and values.

This work is part of a modern scholarly "revival" of Silius Italicus, whose 17-book epic Punica is the longest surviving Latin poem. Core Argument: Hannibal as an Icon of Romanitas

For those looking to read the epic itself, a modern English translation of all 17 books by Antony Augoustakis and Neil W. Bernstein is available at Routledge . Remembering the Enemy in Silius Italicus' 'Punica'