It was perhaps Hannibal’s greatest gamble — after years of victories, not least his famed trek across the snow-capped Alps, could he strike at Rome itself?

In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Louis Rawlings to explore the dramatic years after Hannibal’s crushing triumph at Cannae. With Rome refusing to surrender despite horrific losses, Hannibal changed strategy in 211 BC and set his sights on the Roman capital. Join us to discover how the Carthaginian genius kept his army alive deep in enemy territory, why Rome’s resilience frustrated him, and how close he came to rewriting history.

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Rise of Hannibal:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ZSg0gwceToyk01XXNJtCb

Hannibal: Crossing the Alps:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7a4XOqxY8J3GhEaRDwX315

Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio editor is Aidan Lonergan and the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds

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Hannibal's March on Rome

The Ancients