Just a headsup for those interested.

Today, tommorrow and in April the Discovery Times Channel is airing an episode entitled "Hannibal".

It gives an EXCELLENT accounting of the events surrounding Hannibal's Spanish and Italian campaigns. What is particularly outstanding is the graphical dipiction of the battle of Cannae. This documentary gives a greater textbook dipiction of the troops and tactics employed at Cannae. It does so in a manner superior to either the British, "Time Commanders" or American, "Decisive Battles" (which I presume to be virtually the same), which focused more on the *dramatic*.

The Discovery Times version VERY accurately displays the *Convex-Straight-Concave" battle manuverings, along with Hannibals decisive use of his cavalry.

If you've ever wanted to know *how* to use your calvalry in any of the Total War games---watch this episode! Equally, the episode provides the best graphical viewing of how to best tactically employ your foot units in the Total War series.

Just as Hannibal succeeded at Cannae, the episode graphically dipicts the tactical theory for defeating a larger (and somewhat superior) force within the Total War Series.

[Just as an aside, I first viewed this episode a few months ago. Upon viewing and comprehending Hannibals tactics at Cannae, I was rather shocked to see that, being ignorant of the Cannae tactics, through too many hours and much trial and error, thru Shogun and the MedMod, that I had developed tactics mirroring Hannibal at Cannae PRECISELY. That is the, Convex-Straight-Concave manuever, as well as *unit* layout.

My argument regarding CA's choice for 1.1's speed and unit settings were in the view that Hannibal's, as well as my own's battle tactics and manueverings were IMPOSSIBLE to effect as the *middle* would not hold long enough to effect the manuevers. Version 1.2 is a good deal better, but still not truly adequate, imuho. MTW/VI and the Medmod were the best version to effect such.]

This post is not intended to rehash ANY old arguments, simply to point to what I believe to be an excellent documentary.

If you're in the NYC area the episode airs today at 1:00 and 4:00 PM. Here's a listing of other dates and times.

Enjoy!