
Set against the sun‑baked terraces of ancient Carthage, the story opens on a balcony where the legendary general Hamilcar Barca surveys the sea, his armor still scarred from recent battles. The vivid description of his regal yet battle‑worn presence draws listeners into a world of towering harbours, gleaming swords, and the ever‑looming threat of Rome. From this dramatic tableau, the narrative gently shifts to the hidden life of his daughter, a young woman whose destiny is entwined with the fierce pride and restless ambition of her father.
As she grows amid the glittering courts and the relentless drums of war, she discovers a yearning for love that conflicts with the expectations of a warrior lineage. Her secret encounters and tentative hopes reveal a tender romance blooming in the shadows of empire, offering a fresh, human perspective on the famed conflicts that shaped history. The opening act promises intrigue, cultural richness, and the timeless struggle between duty and desire.
Language
en
Duration
~13 hours (788K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
London: Hutchinson & Co., 1898.
Credits
an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer
Release date
2023-11-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1854–1923
A British army officer who also wrote novels and historical works, he moved easily between military life, travel, and storytelling. His books range from fiction to studies of Egypt and France, giving them a wide, curious feel.
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