Dodge's comparison of Alexander to Hannibal

[jan]

Having watched History Channel's Decisive Battles program on Hannibal last Friday, I picked up a book today on Hannibal, and found an interesting comparison of which is the greater general, Hannibal or Alexander. It is a great discussion. Just a reminder that Battle of Gaugemela will be aired this Friday night on History Channel too, at 9:00 p.m. eastern and pacific time.

[maciek]

Hello Jane!The subject is interesting especially that Hannibal himself made such comparisation. He placed Alex on the first place and Phyrros on the second. Third place he reserved for himself. Well it was during the discussion with Roman commanders in Ephesus (I suppose).Maciek

[Kit]

Although he did say that if he had beaten Scipio Africanus at Zama he would have ranked himself first!Kit.

[Max]

Hey Jan,What did you think of the show itself? What are your impressions? I don't have cable and was considering getting it in order to see the Decisive Battles series, but I wanted to get the opinion of someone who had seen the show first. Is it worth it?Thanks,Max

[maciek]

Heh that's right... well if he didn't then Alex stays at first!! But seriously I think that comparing Hannibal, Phyrros and Alex has sence because as we read about them - they almost didn't make the mistakes in the combat. Some Alexander's acts are considered as mistakes but I think that he calculated all with details and just took the risk.Maciek

[jan]

HI Max,Yes, I liked the show. It is worth it! I hope you will be able to catch the show on Alexander this week, as it will be seen three different times according to the Steve Pressfield release that Ruthaki has posted.Historians or experts on the subject discuss the background of the battle fully and the game style graphics illustrate the appearance of the armies, getting you the viewer in the midst of them.It was quite good. The story of Hannibal is an interesting contrast to that of Alexander. And all the above statements are a part of the discussion in the Dodge book. Had Hannibal defeated Scipio he would have placed himself first! He is not short in self-appraisal, but Dodge finally believes that Hannibal is greater than Alexander and explains why.Alexander was always blessed with good fortune, and Hannibal was not, being one of the main reasons that Dodge sticks with Hannibal. All in one's point of view! Good fortune is very important after all.

[Kit]

Fortune favours the bold!Alexander took his opportunities and defeated everyone ranged against him. Hannibal, despite many great successes failed to ulimately defeat the Romans despite having opportunities to do so.In any war the only decisive battle is the one that ends the war- Hannibal lost that battle.I would have to disagree with Dodge's assessment of the relative merits of, admittedly, two of histories greatest commanders. Although not by much, as I would rank Alexander first and Hannibal second! Still that will probably start another discussion!?regards,Kit.

[Max]

Hey Jan,Thanks for your reply. I'll see what I can do about getting cable. I'm not much of a TV watcher but I'll trust you on this one ;)Max