Book excerpt: The year is 216 BC. As Rome and Carthage vie for supremacy, the Mediterranean is shaken by a conflict that will go down in history as the Second Punic War. The year is 216 BC. As Rome and Carthage vie for supremacy, the Mediterranean is shaken by a conflict that will go down in history as the Second Punic War. Two years ago, Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, took Rome completely by surprise by leading an army of African, Spanish, and Celtic soldiers across the Alps to attack Rome on her own soil. Rome has suffered three defeats at his hands already, and spent the last year licking her wounds and avoiding another battle. Now, the senate in Rome feels the time has come to take the initiative again. With an army of an unprecedented eight legions, led by both consuls and two proconsuls, they are determined to put Hannibal in his place once and for all. Darkness over Cannae is a historical novel accurately researched on the battle, what led up to it and its aftermath. Illustrated and with a glossary of terms it is a great introduction to Roman military history for anyone fifteen years and older.