Paterson begins in the ancient world, considering popular explanations for the ascendance of Rome and, in particular, their victory over Carthage in the Punic Wars.
Supplies and some of its personnel aboard the powerful, plodding elephants which are a form of native transport dating back centuries to Hannibal during the First Punic War.(AP Photo/Horst Faas)
And did not lose them: Capua was punished (not completely destroyed) in 211 BC for its support of Hannibal in the Second Punic War (218-201 BC) after Rome recaptured the city.