- Home
- ACADEMIC
- Classical Studies
- Latin Literature
- An Introduction to Silius Italicus and the Punica
You must sign in to add this item to your wishlist. Please sign in or create an account
Description
In a much-needed comprehensive introduction to Silius Italicus and the Punica, Jacobs offers an invitation to students and scholars alike to read the epic as a thoughtful and considered treatment of Rome's past, present, and (perilous) future. The Second Punic War marked a turning point in world history: Rome faced her greatest external threat in the famous Carthaginian general Hannibal, and her victory led to her domination of the Mediterranean. Lingering memories of the conflict played a pivotal role in the city's transition from Republic to Empire, from foreign war to civil war. Looking back after the events of AD 69, the senator–poet Silius Italicus identified the Second Punic War as the turning point in Rome's history through his Punica.
After introductory chapters for those new to the poet and his poem, Jacobs' close reading of the epic narrative guides students and scholars alike through the Punica. All Greek and Latin passages are translated to ensure accessibility for those reading in English. Far more than simply a retelling of Rome's greatest triumph, the Punica challenges its reader to make sense of the Second Punic War in light of its full impact on the subsequent course of the city's history.
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Note on Text/Translation
Note on Bibliography
List of Abbreviations
Introduction Why Silius?
Chapter 1 Who is Tiberius Catius Asconius Silius Italicus?
Chapter 2 What is the Punica?
Chapter 3 A reading of Punica 1–10: from Saguntum to Cannae
Chapter 4 A reading of Punica 11–17: from Cannae to Zama
Chapter 5 Carthage and Rome in the Punica, part 1
Chapter 6 Carthage and Rome in the Punica, part 2
Conclusion Silius Italicus and the Punica in Classical literature
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Product details
| Published | 10 Dec 2020 |
|---|---|
| Format | Ebook (PDF) |
| Edition | 1st |
| Pages | 288 |
| ISBN | 9781350071056 |
| Imprint | Bloomsbury Academic |
| Illustrations | 6 bw illus |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
About the contributors
Reviews
-
[Jackson] manages to convey his enthusiasm for the subject while keeping the reader engaged, which is no small feat … Students and scholars alike will find much that is useful in this introduction.
The Classical Review
-
An excellent introduction to Silius Italicus' Punica and a vital resource for anyone interested in Flavian epic, Roman history and post-Augustan politics.
Dalida Agri, Teaching Fellow in Classics, University of Birmingham, UK
-
It is an important book ... that moves along new directions of research, with the ambition to show the way for an integral interpretation of the Punics.
Bollettino di Studi Latini (Bloomsbury Translation)
-
The book, which includes maps and an extensive bibliography, constitutes an important contribution to guiding readers through the idea that this work by Silius Italicus presents significant challenges of reading and interpretation.
Cadmo: Revista de História Antiga
ONLINE RESOURCES
Bloomsbury Collections
This book is available on Bloomsbury Collections where your library has access.

























