John Prevas - Hannibal Crosses the Alps: The Invasion Of Italy And The Punic Wars

A serious book is not an easy thing to write. It takes a great deal of preparation, energy and determination to accomplish. The author must develop a focus which is concentrated enough to allow him to stay on task and resist the enticing alternatives which life continually throws in his path to tempt him away. It is not easy as well for an author s spouse since there are long periods of solitude to be endured by both partners for the sake of the project. I would like to dedicate this book to my wife, Mavis Gibson. When I first began to think about writing on Hannibal and the Alps she gave me encouragement. When it came time to accompany me to the Alps and venture into those often foreboding heights, she put aside her personal fears and climbed with me. Each year we have returned to those same mountains to climb again. She bears the scars, both physical and psychological, from falls and she has endured endless hours of physical toil to reach yet another ridge which I was sure held some clue to Hannibal s crossing. On one occasion she nursed me for several days after I suffered sunstroke during one particularly difficult climb. She documented our journeys through the mountains of southern France with her camera and many of her pictures grace the pages of this book. We have enjoyed many good times together following in Hannibals footsteps, and as we look to the future we are always mindful of the ancient Roman dictum, carpamus dulcia, post enim mortem, cinis, et fabula fiemus.

I would also like to mention in these pages the man who taught me Latin many years ago, Robert Rowland. Currently Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Loyola University in New Orleans, this scholar took time from his busy schedule to teach a less than gifted student Latin. I studied with him for a long time, often in tutorial sessions for which he received not a penny of compensation and during which his patience was sorely tried on many an occasion. In my mind he represents everything that a true teacher should be. He is knowledgeable about his subject, firm when he needs to be with his students, yet ever mindful that teaching is an art which also demands equal parts of patience and understanding. When Robert Rowland taught me Latin he opened new possibilities for me. This ancient language became the key which opened the door to French and then the doors to archeology and the joys of historical research. He selflessly gave me a lifelong gift for which I will always be grateful.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the support of two very dear friends, Clement and Ellen Mitchell. They have encouraged me over the years to write this book and have taken pride in its accomplishment. Ellen took time from her editorial duties at a local Virginia newspaper to read my early drafts and offer many valuable stylistic suggestions. I spent many pleasant hours on their terrace. Clement kept my champagne glass full while Ellen read and corrected my early drafts.

Writing this book has been a wonderful experience for me. I enjoyed the research in the ancient manuscripts contained in the libraries of the left bank of Paris and I enjoyed the climbs high into the Alps. I hope that the reader will enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Washington, DC
February 1998