Rome versus Pyrrhus

[D B Campbell]

Wow, you Antipodeans have been beavering away while I enjoyed the sleep of the just.

I had intended to leave this thread to the strictly "Rome vs. Pyrrhus" enthusiasts, but Steven has made a couple of points which shouldn't go without a reply.

Take that old chestnut Hannibal did not or could not attack Rome because he lacked siege equipment. ... ... ... ... Now to protect your theory that Hannibal had no siege engine, ... you use only those references in the primary sources that reinforce your theory and literally brick out those that debunk it.

I hope that, when you refer to "your theory" (etc.), you are not imputing these views to me. In fact, in defending (so vociferously) Hannibal's knowledge of siege techniques, you are (as it were) preaching to the converted. (You may be interested to know that my PhD thesis was on the subject of ancient siege warfare, so Mister Campbell is, in fact, a bona fide Doctor -- not that we stand on ceremony at RAT! :wink: ) Indeed, you will be very pleased to know that the next issue of Ancient Warfare magazine has an article on this very subject which (I hope) you will find heart-warming.

Neutrality!!!! Humility!!!! ... “Cannae, The experience of battle in the Second Punic War,” Gregory Daly. ... Notice how Daly criticises Samuels and Hanson, who wrote academic papers solely on Cannae. Unfortunately, Samuels and Hanson are given no right of reply. It’s too late, the book in the public sphere. It this what you call humility? ... ... Is this the cut and thrust methodology you speak of? The discrediting of others in order to strengthen your theory?

I'm not sure why you have directed your criticisms of this book to me. Naturally, I am not (and cannot be expected to be) an apologist for Gregory Daly. However, like other writers, he has put his ideas into the public domain, where they can be reviewed and rebutted publicly. That, I think, is the cut and thrust of academic debate. However, if Daly chooses to adopt a combative, abrasive style in presenting his case (which, I think, is your complaint), I would have thought that it would only rebound on him, leaving him open to further criticism (as you have so vehemently demonstrated).

According to Ovid (yes Ovid Mr. Campbell), the early Roman calendar ...

You disappoint me, Steven. I thought you'd found an Ovid reference relating to the organisation of the legion! Now that would have disturbed my peaceful slumbers.