-
Photo: The Woods brothers in Spain
From left to right: Danny, Sam and Ben take their epic cycle journey through Spain.
-
Quote: Livy, 'The War with Hannibal', Book XXI, 4
"Reckless in courting danger, he showed superb tactical ability ... indefatigable both physically and mentally ... unequalled as a fighting man. So much for his virtues - and they were great; but no less were his faults: inhuman cruelty ... a total disregard of truth, honour and religion ... Such was the complex character of the man."
-
Historical moment: Crossing the Pyrenees
Crossing this mountain chain wasn't difficult for Hannibal, but it was a critical psychological point in his journey because part of his army didn't want to leave Spain. Several thousand Spanish mercenaries abandoned the army and, rather than risk mutiny from other unhappy troops, Hannibal wisely dismissed thousands of others and spread the word that he had let them go as a reward for good service.
Once in France, according to Livy and Polybius, the Carthaginian requested a meeting with the local Gauls near Perpignan and lavished so many gifts on them that they let him pass by unmolested. Other scholars say this meeting included a delegation of Roman politicians. The Gauls were apparently unimpressed by Roman requests that they resist the Carthaginians - they burst out laughing! -
The Call of the Wild
This programme is part of The Call Of The Wild on BBC Four, a celebration of the great British love affair with the countryside – whatever the weather.
Go to The Call of the Wild site -
BBC TV blog
On Hannibal's Trail presenter Ben Wood: "My brothers and I hadn't made a 'film' together since I was 12 and Sam starred as Chuck Norris."
Read Ben Wood's post on the BBC TV blog
Credits
- Presenter
- Danny Wood
- Presenter
- Sam Wood
- Presenter
- Ben Wood
- Director
- Robin Dashwood
- Producer
- Robin Dashwood
- Executive Producer
- Chris Granlund
- Writer
- Robin Dashwood
