If you enjoy ancient history, or more specifically Punic and Roman history, you’ll enjoy Carthage Must Be Destroyed: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Civilization by Richard Miles.

Written from the perspective of the Carthaginians, and with a slight favoritism toward them over the Romans, this book acts as a counterweight to the many Roman versions of history. The old adage that the victors write history may be no more true than with the Romans portrayal of Carthage. Miles realizes that and strikes a more balanced approach that at times is perhaps too critical of the Roman Republic and later Empire.

The book covers the full history, from the rise of the Phoenician power, their settling of Carthage, it’s rise to glory, the two major wars with Rome, including some detail on Hannibal, and then the utter destruction of Carthage.

There were a few conclusions in the book that I disagreed with, such as claiming the Roman preoccupation with Carthage set the stage for its eventual fall. Not sure I buy that since Rome existed for several hundred years after the sacking of Carthage. The writer was referring to the Republic, but even that was around a long long time afterward.

But overall it’s a good book and offers new angles on ancient historical texts.