Hannibal Kicked Butt!

The great Carthaginian general, Hannibal—the first image that might come to a modern mind is the elephant. After all, Hannibal crossed the Alps with African Elephants in his army. Certainly this provides a trademark for an event that speaks to the brand expectation felt by the Romans beginning in 218 BC. 

In and of itself, the act of crossing the Alps into Italy with what was then a civilized army truly rattled the Romans. And for the next 20 years, Hannibal would live his brand promise to the point that his name struck intense fear in Roman society. 

That's sort of what we know of this almost mythic figure. So, discovery is the first step in our branding analysis, evaluating the facts to discern true differentiators.

To Hannibal’s credit, he began with a strong internal branding strategy. He was the son of the celebrated general Hamilcar Barca. Incidentally, the family name Barca is derived from the Phoenician word for Thunderbolt—an ancient symbol of power and divine strength. Hamilcar never lost a battle to the Romans during the first Punic War, and his army was the only Carthaginian unit whom the Romans allowed to keep their weapons.   

So Hannibal started with some pretty firm brand attributes, and built on them. As a young child, he accompanied his father to Spain in 237 BC, where on more than one occasion, he differentiated himself by participating at his father’s side in battles and skirmishes against local tribes—gaining from an early age the necessary knowledge and experience that only battle provides.

By the time he was in position to assume command of the Carthaginian army in 221 BC, at the age of 26, Hannibal was well on the road to living his brand. The Roman scholar, Livy, described the young general as follows:

No sooner had [Hannibal] arrived...the old soldiers fancied they saw Hamilcar in his youth given back to them; the same bright look; the same fire in his eye, the same trick of countenance and features. Never was one and the same spirit more skillful to meet opposition, to obey, or to command…

Cunning and determination against long odds are differentiators that set Hannibal apart from his competitors. Crossing the Alps was bold, unheard of, and improbable. While it came at the cost of half his men, Hannibal quickly followed up by defeating superior Roman forces at a place called Trebia.

In terms of military size, Hannibal almost never had the upper hand. The Romans often outnumbered him two to one, even three to one at the Battle of Canae (sometimes spelled Cannae), where Hannibal slaughtered nearly 90,000 Roman soldiers. In every case, the Carthaginian general outwitted his Roman opponents with devastating results. Some Roman towns simply surrendered on his arrival.

So, how might we brand Hannibal at his peak? Submitted for your approval...

1. Determine the most appropriate brand-positioning attribute.

Certainly Hannibal gives us much to work with and selecting one single attribute is a challenge. His merciless attacks on Roman soil dealt a near fatal blow to the soon-to-be empire. Sworn by his father to a blood oath against the Romans, Hannibal of Carthage did the unthinkable—he marched war elephants and a massive army over the Alps to gain the element of surprise. In three key battles, Hannibal used a strategy of terrain, intimidation and his iron will to annihilate the Roman legions, killing every Roman soldier that he possibly could.

The key word here is “strategy.” So we can position Hannibal as a master general with an impeccable command of battlefield strategy.

Hannibal—the father of strategy

2. Devise a distinctive way to articulate the brand position.

The blood oath made Hannibal’s goals clear—eliminate the Roman threat by annihilating it.

3. Develop a focused brand personality that customers can use to recommend or introduce your company to others.

   Hannibal the Annihilator

4. Establish graphic standards. 

Here is where the visual perceptions and symbols of Hannibal work in our favor. The African War Elephant was totally exotic to the Romans and a symbol of shock and awe. It has come to personify Hannibal and his achievements throughout the Roman campaigns.

5. Implement internal branding programs to reward employees for behaving in ways that are consistent with the brand personality

From the outset, Hannibal instituted a strong brand strategy and the value of the risk was in its reward of glory, plunder, the cause itself. It was clear that army was willing to follow him on a treacherous journey over the Alps and kept them on a 20-year campaign. Even when Hannibal had Rome by the throat—just nine miles from Rome itself – dissent over Hannibal’s decision not to siege Rome was short-lived. 

  

6. Consistently and uniquely execute the branding program.

           There is no question Hannibal lived his brand. For twenty years he held Rome
           by the throat. Only once did he waver from what made Hannibal, Hannibal the
           Annihilator. In not sacking Rome immediately following Canae, in showing
           mercy, he left the door open for Rome to exact revenge at the Battle of Zama,
           leading to the surrender of Carthage. (All brand managers and CMOs should
           remember this as a warning.)

One might assume that these are vertical market attributes. But the study of Hannibal shows considerable success outside of warfare. Following his ultimate defeat by Romans at the Battle of Zama, Hannibal demonstrated statesmanship as well as a military leadership.

Peace left Carthage stripped of its former stature and heavily indebted to Rome. Blatant corruption of the Carthaginian government gave Hannibal a chance to re-emerge and become chief magistrate. When he took office, it was an insignificant post, but Hannibal infused it with power and authority. So effectively did Hannibal reform government abuses that the heavy tribute imposed by Rome could be paid by installments without additional and extraordinary taxation. He also reformed the Carthaginian version of the Supreme Court, stipulating that its membership be chosen by direct election rather than co-option. He also used citizen support to change the term of office in the court from life to a year, with a term limit of two years.

While Hannibal finally died in exile, his brand lives on and is a case study continually examined and revered by historians.

Hannibal Triumphs Over Change Leadership

By Mark C. Lamela, Senior Change Consultant

Editor's note: If not familiar with Hannibal and the Second Punic War, context and deeper understanding of Hannibal and his innovations are provided in the previous entry, Hannibal kicked butt.

A relatively new branch of management science—change management—emerged after quantitative study of the American Global Corporate landscape during the mid 1990s, led by management gurus such as Harvard Professor John Kotter, among others.

Hannibal leads a battle from atop a war elephant.

But the seeds of change leadership were actually sewn long before Kotter’s work, the Digital Age, or the Global Service Economy, or even the Industrial Revolution. Specifically, change leadership dates back to the Second Punic War (218-202 BCE) between Carthage and Rome. It was a time when the legendary and visionary Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca (247-182 BCE) emerged. Not only would he demonstrate military innovation, Hannibal went on to a successful career as Chief Magistrate of Carthage, and he introduced many change leadership methods that business leaders are well advised to evaluate and embrace today.

Hannibal is revered as one of the greatest military strategists of all time—the father of strategy—who is still studied and whose methods are used today. His innovation and cunning tactics earned him many battlefield successes; thus laying the foundation for guiding principals in change leadership and management.

Modern change leaders must understand that their transformational change initiative(s) are not unlike the daunting tasks Hannibal faced—whether as a military general, or later as principal leader (Suffete) of the Carthage government. By warping back in time to the Second Punic War, we come to realize that like any change leader, Hannibal was challenging a formidable and oppressive enemy in Rome, an opponent controlling significant portions of the Mediterranean world, and well entrenched in and representative of the status quo. Rome liked how things were just prior to the Second Punic War, and in no way welcomed change.

Enter Hannibal Barca.

In ancient Spain, then known as Iberia, Hannibal begins his famous march, in parallel with his rise to lead as a military commander. It should be noted that Hannibal’s army originally served his father, Hamilcar, who died in battle. Due to Carthage’s population and Roman restrictions from the First Punic War, a homegrown citizens army was unsupportable. So these were primarily mercenaries—tribesmen from across Northern Africa and parts of Iberia. And on Hamilcar’s death, they looked to Hannibal, who strongly resembled his father, but was confident in his own right, since he’d fought along with the army as a young man. Indeed, the army actually elected Hannibal to be their general—and he was just 26 years old. Imagine a project team selecting their Change Champion from within their own ranks and at so young an age.

No other military leaders were seriously considered. The Carthaginian troops chose the only person whom they thought best to inspire them to fight, sometimes against all odds, to defeat their sworn enemy, who was violating treaties and agreements—intentionally. The Carthaginian government affirmed Hannibal’s selection by his soldiers; partly due to the confidence in the army’s choice, and partly to defy Rome. Hannibal himself really didn’t need Carthage’s affirmation, or cared if he had it, but change leaders benefit strongly from the power of endorsements by Executive Sponsors. To Hannibal’s leadership skills and vision for victory, support of Carthage strengthened the change leadership “spine”.

The renewed fight with Rome was ignited by Rome’s treaty violation over the city of Seguntum. The details are moot, but suffice it to say Rome intentionally taunted Hannibal, and Hannibal willingly, knowingly took the bait. Ultimately, his strategy was to take the fight to Rome, but without a navy—again, prohibited by terms of surrender ending the First Punic War—Hannibal’s position in Iberia left him one option; the one that nobody in their right mind would attempt.

Hannibal's route to Rome and ultimate retreat.

Speed was important, and Hannibal led his army on a bold, and for the time, lightening quick march across the Pyrenees Mountains. Change experts well understand that speed is a critical factor in securing adoption. Hannibal didn’t give his men time to ponder. They marched, and continued marching on to the Alps. Rome, nor anyone else, considered it plausible to push an army over the Alps. The mountain range was considered an impenetrable wall, except for a few passes that allowed small groups or less—but certainly not an army of 50,000 men, along with 37 elephants.

After scaling the obstacles of the Pyrenees Mountains, Hannibal and his forces were in Gaul. Much of this section of modern day France was controlled by the Rome, and as such, a territory that often paid tribute. The Gauls could have been resistors, and challenged or disrupted Hannibal forces and his plan to march on Northern Italy—actually, there were small pockets of Gauls who attacked Hannibal in the Alps. But he presented himself as their liberator. As he would to the several city-states he encountered on the Italian peninsula. Gauls disliked Hannibal, too, but they disliked Rome more, and were quite disgruntled with being subjected to Roman rule. Many allied with Hannibal, becoming his agents of change, and were only too happy to march against Rome. Crossing the Alps cost Hannibal almost 30,000 men. Replenishing his forces with thousands of wild-eyed Gauls was more than welcome.

Penetrating the Alps and turning subjects into allies were only a few of the innovative ideas Hannibal undertook that changed the nature of military strategy to achieve success (as change leaders must do to win their corporate transformations). Another was incorporating African elephants into battlefield tactics. Although most of the animals were lost to the freezing temperatures during the Alpine passage, a few survived—just enough to give Roman soldiers an additional surprise with their appearance and effective deployment on the battlefield. These massive beasts horrified the Roman army and scattered their cavalry, giving Hannibal the psychological advantage.

Still, it was his emerging from the Alps that really unsettled the Romans. That feat remains one most storied in history. Hannibal’s unique leadership style beckoned his troops to go beyond ‘normal’ limits and known boundaries. Combined with blending his forces with Gauls not only improved his ability to cross the Alps, it helped replace lost troops, although it must be noted that some Gaul tribes attacked Hannibal during his crossing. But Hannibal’s leadership prevailed. There is an account by the ancient historian, Livy, which recounts an awful day amidst deep snow. He writes:

Hannibal saw in all faces an expression of listlessness and despondency. He rode on in front to a height from which there was a wide and extensive view, and halting his men, he pointed out to them the land of Italy and the rich valley of the Po lying at the foot of the Alps. "You are now," he said, "crossing the barriers not only of Italy, but of Rome itself. Henceforth all will be smooth and easy for you; in one or, at the most, two battles, you will be masters of the capital and stronghold of Italy." Then the army resumed its advance with no annoyance from the [Gauls] beyond occasional attempts at plunder.

And once Hannibal’s troops successfully negotiated wintery mountains, they arrived in what we know today as Northern Italy. Here they were able to initiate and win several battles in the Republic’s own “backyard”, including a cavalry engagement at the river Ticino, east of Turin, as well as at the river Trebbia, west of modern Piacenza, and Etruria (modern day Tuscany). Similarly, change leadership requires disrupting the status quo with successive wins, often choosing “low hanging fruit” to demonstrate early success and a way of building momentum, thereby minimizing resistors and detractors. These quick victories, as well as more dramatic ones, such as at Lake Trasimine and Canae, demonstrated ability, skill, progress, and commitment.

From the Carthaginian perspective, and with respect to Hannibal’s objectives, he well understood that inspiring people under stressful situations meant working with them, shoulder to shoulder, and not ‘hiding’ or insulating himself from his men, or from the environments and situations they endured. Many historians and scholars consider Hannibal one of the most unselfish of all ancient generals. His unique leadership style for his time both inspired and emboldened his mercenary troops. Unlike his Roman counterparts, Hannibal slept and ate along side his men. He fought with them, as opposed to remaining in a safe place to observe the action. He even lost an eye during a battle against Roman troops.

During the Battle of Canae, where Rome pitted 90,000 soldiers against Hannibal’s mere 25 or 30,000-man army, the Carthaginian general positioned himself in the center with his mercenaries. Yes, virtually the whole army was mercenary, but these men were more so, and considered the least reliable of Hannibal’s forces. His presence gave them strength to not break as Rome advanced. Indeed, he kept them calm during a slight and planned retreat, drawing in the Romans as his Numidian cavalry surrounded the enemy. Before the Romans knew it, they were packed into a tight circle as the Carthaginian army closed in, slaughtering tens of thousands, and handing Rome the worst defeat ever recorded in its history.

The victory at Canae remains the stuff of scholarly study at major military institutes.

Despite these victories, Hannibal wisely sought a diplomatic solution, hoping for peaceful resolution with Rome and its allies, the most significant contingent of change resistors. He didn’t want to wipe out Rome, only convert it (by force if necessary) into a neutral, or non-confrontational co-existence, which is an essential component of change management. But with Rome being Rome, that was not to be. They had a saying, “the victor is not victorious if the vanquished does not consider himself so.” That is entrenchment. Then again, no one told Hannibal.

When the Carthaginian army established Capua as its capital in Italy, something never before done by an invading army on Roman soil, many Roman allies switched sides, joining the then 32-year old general in his newly forged Italian stronghold—again, converting resistors to supporters for his cause and as change agents. The capture of Capua was poignantly illustrated with Hannibal boldly riding into town, atop the last his surviving elephant. Change professionals know the importance of using internal marketing communications to influence the minds and hearts of those effected by change. In ancient times, with the absence of the printing press and email blasts, this display proved to be incredibly impactful, generating powerful word of mouth story telling.

Ultimately, two decades of turmoil led the Roman senate to finally commit the necessary resources and radical military leadership to go on the offensive against Carthage and its allies, starting in Iberia. In actuality, Rome adopted some of the techniques Hannibal used. Iberia was Carthage’s source for silver and losing it and the tribute-paying territories weakened Carthage. A young general named Scipio then landed on the shores of Carthage with a substantial army. The Carthaginian government recalled Hannibal from Italy in order to protect Carthage itself against the Roman threat moving towards them.

It is noteworthy that this was the same government that failed Hannibal, and his repeated requests for more funding and troops during the Italian campaign, to secure and keep his hard fought gains. This point goes to the reason why in change that sustainability is the final critical phase, to stymie backsliding, and sustain and ingrain changes’ forward momentum. Carthage did not succeed in this, and suffered horrific consequences.

Hannibal and Scipio meet at Zama.

Hannibal and Scipio, along with their forces, met in 202 BCE at the Battle of Zama. Using Hannibal’s own unique military tactics, learned so well by his adversary, Scipio defeated Hannibal, and thus ended the Second Punic War. In spite of that ultimate defeat, so remarkable was Hannibal’s military strategic thinking, that the Romans studied it and adopted it into their own ‘tour de force’. Even beyond the Battle of Zama, Roman legions continued to consistently use Hannibal’s innovative tactics, winning more battles in conquest of the known world.

Following his loss at Zama, Hannibal rose to Chief Magistrate of Carthage and continued to innovate as a governmental leader, performing as well as he did as a general. And again, that would bring Rome down upon him, and Carthage, which was wiped from the map during the Third Punic War.

Hannibal challenged the oppressive Roman status quo, and after his death, no on else seriously challenged Rome and its sphere of influence for almost six centuries. Nevertheless, Hannibal’s name remained in the stories told by Roman heralds, he was portrayed during spectacles in arenas, and mentioned significantly in Rome’s history texts. Hannibal’s name was spoken carefully—both with respect and fear.

Clearly, many of Hannibal’s change tactics & innovations lay the groundwork for the mid 90’s change principals outlined by John Kotter, among others.

_______

About Mark Lamela: Mr Lamela is certified in Change Management, Project & Program Management & Business Process Improvement, a former vice president at Ernst & Young LLC, and an International Management Consultant with global business experience. He has authored numerous professional articles and blogs, and is a published author. Learn more about Mr. Lamela on the Knights of the Roundtable page.  And he can be contacted here: lamelamark@gmail.com

To Live and Die by the Sword

A portion of Gerome's 1872 painting "Pollice Verso"

The celebrated gladiator—all at once a brand of fighters considered barbarian, tough, and fierce, but also honorable. The very word conjures images and expectations. Gladiators served as entertainment to crowds all over the Roman Empire. A day at the games was like being live at the NFL, NHL, WWF, and FIFA all rolled into one—when there was an all out brawl. And the fans were just as, well, fanatical, which fueled the games and gladiators' existence for almost a thousand years. In every colonial city, every regional capital, and even in the frontier hamlets, fights were held in many forms. Spectacles included the execution of prisoners, title bouts between crowd favorites, and sometimes brave patricians acting as gladiators, wanting to hear the hordes cheer for them. As a staple of Roman entertainment, the greatest monument to gladiators and their games remains today with the Colosseum. But something so grand and so timeless started with something very small—the gladius.

The gladius is a sword, just a small handheld blade about the length of your arm. And the word is the root for "gladiator." Romans adapted the gladius from something they encountered when conquering ancient Hispania. But as Romans always had, they made it their own. Gladii were used to jab and slash in close quarter combat. Given the nature of Roman military tactics, meaning that soldiers wound up in a lot of hand-to-hand battles, the gladius became the weapon of issue for legions that spread across the whole of the ancient western world, from Hispania to Gaul to Sicily to the borders of Babylonia and to Egypt. So it should be no surprise that the gladiator would use such a blade, and for the gladiator, it was the symbol of who he was.

There's not a lot of alignment between historians on an origin story for the games. Livy, however, makes the best case and comes with more evidence. Like all things Roman, gladiator games were borrowed. In this case they came from an early Greek colonial peoples called the Campanians, although some think they go back further to the Etruscans. Nevertheless, Campanians kicked butt over Samnium, a competing region in Southern Italy, and celebrated in 310 BC with reenactments using live "performers." Also according to Livy, the first recorded Roman game occurred about fifty years later during what was called a munus—which is defined as sort of a commemorative obligation for a dead ancestor. In this case, the event took place during Rome's First Punic War with Carthage—there were three Punic Wars, but that is another story (see Hannibal kicked butt). This is around 264 or 265 BC. To honor his father having died in battle, a Roman had three-gladiator pairs fight to the death in a cattle market forum.

Classic gladiators depicted in a 2nd century mosaic.

The look and feel of those early combatants was very rudimentary, each man armed with only a sica and a small shield. But while the First Punic War may have given rise to Roman adaptations of the games, it was Hannibal's rampage through the Italian peninsula during the Second Punic War that gave the classic look we so easily identify as "gladiator." Again, Samnium comes into play. Samnium was one of the regions of southern Italy in which the people sided with Hannibal. Their warriors wore particular styled helmets and armor while carrying the gladius and rectangular shield. Their fighting style and armor became a standard for gladiators as we picture them—probably because when Rome "reclaimed" the area, many of the Samnites were sold into slavery, and consequently, into gladiator schools.

It was also during the Second Punic War that the games grew in size and spectacle. Let's face it, the Romans got their tails handed to them by Hannibal, so there were a lot of fallen Roman nobles who needed munera to honor them. Many of those munera events pitted fighters against each other. In one there were twenty-two pairs—some were volunteers, such as nobles or high-status non-Romans. Others were war prisoners, such as Samnites. Years later the munera games were lasting for days, and one went through 120 gladiators. It was also in this developmental period that game sponsorships evolved. Yep, event sponsorships way, way predate modern corporate sponsorships of sporting events. All of this took shape as the sun set on the "Republic" years of Rome—that is, the years when Julius Caesar was coming to power as an emperor. Such events were extravagantly expensive but, as modern marketers know, they are effective opportunities for self-promotion via exciting entertainment to a wide audience. The same held true in ancient Rome, perhaps even more so. Those "fans" were the target for politicians or others interested in public awareness of them or their enterprise.

Some of the entertainments offered at the games

Along with the evolution of the gladiators and associated events, a big business of training and ownership grew. Rome's military provided a deep well, supplying gladiator candidates. If soldier-prisoners weren't used for work in state mines or quarries, they were sold on the open market. But being sold into a gladiator school didn't mean automatic training. If one was deemed unworthy, then they became live targets for whatever need they could fulfill in the arenas. They may have just been fed to fierce beasts as entertainment before a title fight. For others, for prisoners of war, their surrender or capture and enslavement meant that their life was now worthless. But in the arena as a gladiator, they could redeem their honor.

Additional supplies of gladiators came from slaves condemned to the arena, to gladiator schools or games as punishment for crimes—essentially a method for state execution. Interestingly, however, poor Roman citizens, or even non-citizens might volunteer to join up. After all, gladiator school offered training, food, housing, and a shot at fame and fortune. You read that right, fame and fortune. 

Not unlike modern professional athletes, gladiators kept their prize money and any gifts they received, which could be significant. It's recorded that Tiberius paid some retired gladiators the equivalent of $500,000 each to return to the arena. Other emperors gave property. But all that came behind an oath "to endure to be burned, to be bound, to be beaten, and to be killed by the sword." Just to drive home a point, the average gladiator lifespan was almost non-existent. Few survived more than 10 fights or lived past the age of 30. Perhaps that is why at the start of the games, the words uttered by gladiators to the emperor or game promotoer were, "we who are about to die, salute you."

Even when the games evolved to where the outcome of combat did not include killing the losing gladiator, accidents happened; and to lose a good fighter could be expensive. Gladiators cost money to house, feed, train and transport. The managers of these gladiators didn't like losing really good ones. As the games evolved to a point where a gladiator would signal his defeat, instead of death he left the arena in disgrace ... until the next match. If a gladiator died from an afore mentioned accident, there were rules and regulations governing compensation. Even when the games demanded that the outcome of combat be death, it was the promoter of that event who had final word on the fate of a gladiator—somewhat, because as the games grew in popularity, so did the opinion of the crowds.

Promotional poster 

There is a scene in the 2000 film, Gladiator with Russell Crow. In it, Maximus (Crowe) defeated another gladiator and the decision to let him live or die was at hand. The crowd chanted, "kill ... kill!" Emperor Commodus, who actually backed the defeated gladiator, complied with the crow and gave the thumbs down, meaning death. Normally it would have been the fight promoter or even sponsor, but for the film and dramatic impact, it was Commodus. Regardless of whose thumb was signaling the action, rarely did a decision go against the crowd. However, equally representative was the fact that some gladiators really controlled the fandom of the crowds. If they fell behind a particular favorite, that favorite could do no wrong in the arena.

Much of our impressions about gladiators come from Hollywood. Watching cable shows like Spartacus or movies like Pompeii, the idea of pimping gladiators to Rome's more randy women of society is postulated. There is not a lot of evidence for this, but historian Thomas Weidermann addressed it in his work, Emperors and Gladiators:

Women as well as men found gladiatorial contests, and gladiators, attractive. Some much-quoted epigraphic evidence suggests that this attraction might be sexual: at Pompeii, the retarius Crescens was known as 'the netter of girls by night' and 'the girls' darling'. Thracians were a favourite symbol of manliness because much of their body was left visible to the audience. This obviously constituted a potential danger to the Roman male's control over his womenfolk. Augustus restricted women, other than the six Vestal Virgins, to watching gladiators from the rearmost rows of seats. It proved impossible to put a stop to stories about sexual associations between gladiators and women of the elite, even including empresses. The wife of Marcus Aurelius, Faustina, was suspected of having had affairs with gladiators; only this could explain why her son Commodus was so interested in the sport. ... Roman anxieties about the sexual attractions of gladiators are given expression by the fact that they are classified together with prostitutes in Roman legislation, and that grammatical texts associate the Latin word for the gladiator's trainer (lanista) with that for a pimp (leno). Like pimps and prostitutes, public performers such as actors and gladiators sold their bodies for the delectation of others, if only visually.

This doesn't really eliminate the possibility that clandestine sexual transgression by high-caste spectators and their heroes of the arena. But what it illustrates is the low regard for gladiators outside the context of the games. Thus a woman of status cavorting with a gladiator was very inappropriate, and as wildly wicked as Romans could be in private, their public personas were immensely important to them so if something like an affair with a gladiator got out—it was bad. Donald Kyle cited just such situation in his book, Spectacles of Death in Ancient Rome.

What was the youthful charm that so fired Eppia? What hooked her? What did she see in him to make her put up with being called "the gladiator's moll"? Her poppet, her Sergius, was no chicken, with a dud arm that prompted hope of early retirement. Besides his face looked a proper mess, helmet-scarred, a great wart on his nose, an unpleasant discharge always trickling from one eye. But he was a gladiator. That word makes the whole breed seem handsome, and made her prefer him to her children and country, her sister, her husband. Steel is what they fall in love with.

Apparently Miss Eppia was a senator's wife. She hooked up with Sergius, a gladiator, however he left her after they eloped and ran off to Egypt. She had abandoned her whole life and really her country for a failed affair.

What is fascinating is that as much as Rome loved its gladiators, they loathed them in society. The gladiators were segregated and despised; and, yet, they were so admired as illustrated by this quote from Cicero:

Gladiatorial game memorabilia:
Imagine buying these from
street vendors at the Colosseum.

"Even when [gladiators] have been felled, let alone when they are standing and fighting, they never disgrace themselves. And suppose a gladiator has been brought to the ground, when do you ever see one twist his neck away after he has been ordered to extend it for the death blow?"

Equally intriguing is that even for those in the empire who abhorred violence, and yes, they did exist, saw in gladiators certain virtues. Unconditional obedience to their master and to fate, and a steeled cool in the face of death—they held neither hope nor illusions of hope. In daily life, they met death face-to-face, and always at the pleasure of a crowd. The public saw brand attributes in the gladiator that were simultaneously redeeming qualities—courage, dignity and loyalty. So strong were these that while Roman society openly shunned the gladiator in public, secretly in the Roman heart beat the desire to be like the gladiator—the noble gladiator.

Therefore, submitted for your approval:

Ave, Caesar, morituri te salutant

Dads in History

Father's Day commemorates fathers and the roles they play in our lives. Let's take that one step further and look at some dads from history. Some played substantial roles impacting the course of history. And at least one son carved out a place in history because of a blood oath to his father.

Therefore, submitted for your approval...

Hannibal kicked butt! - Honoring a blood oath to his father, Hannibal terrorized Rome and its armies for more than 20 years. He surprised the hell out of them by crossing the Alps with a full army. And while he lost half of it, Hannibal took the rest and vexed Roman consuls for generations. Read about this very clever son and how he would have made Dad proud.

Caesar - Julius Caesar was the father of Rome's imperial expansion. He is the progenitor of the expression, Caesar. He was a dad, too. Just ask Cleopatra, although junior never reached adulthood—the successor to Julius saw to that. Find out what made Caesar such a incisive figure in his day.

Genghis Khan - Now he was an interesting father. He came, he saw, he kicked real butt across Asia and left so much of his DNA, it still weaves itself through 1 in 200 men to this day. That's prolific. Learn what made Khan such an imposing force.

George Washington - Washington is the father of our nation. He commanded the ragtag forces that won freedom and independence for America, and he was courageous enough to accept being the first elected leader of the Great Experiment.

Napoleon - He is the French Connection—the one who gave France a legacy that even today is prolific. He is responsible for the Napoleonic Code, the dominance of French culture throughout Europe in his day, as well as the one who helped draw the North American map with the Louisiana Purchase. He is also the root of French/English vexations for the past two centuries. Well, not the root but certainly a significant stump. He also dominates several posts from this year.

Sam Houston - General Sam Houston is the father of the Republic of Texas, and later the State of Texas. He was a dad, too. And both his family and historic legacies remains to this day. Find out why he is such a unique man.

Abraham Lincoln - He kept the proverbial "family" together through very dark times. Some of that darkness included the death of his own son. But this resilient and steadfast man never backed away from a challenge and, indeed, used a stern hand in dealing with the Civil War, but also had the compassion for defeated South to "let 'em up easy."

Teddy Roosevelt - He may well have been the father of 20th Century politics and the man who rang in the American Century. His politics were straightforward, just as his personality. And he was a beloved father. This is the first in a series worth reading abut this formidable figure.








A new deal - FDR was a father figure to a nation, and perhaps the world, in the years following the Great Depression, as well as the during America's early years in World War II. This entry is the first in a series on this impactive leader.

The Continuing Mission Reaches 5 Years

Five years, hordes of unique pageviews, and enough content to fill a respectable book—January 2015 marks the fifth anniversary of Brands In History. Entries include characters from the ancient world, the Dark Ages, the Victorian era, and the 20th Century. Some were bold and noble, while others conniving and ruthless, and still others were kind and gentle. It's the sort of content that keeps audiences dropping in, and they span countries from North and South America to Europe and the Far East. And while Hannibal kicked butt was the first post on this blog (January 9, 2011), the Spartans are still beast as the all time most visited entry to date.

Thanks to industry colleagues and friends for their advice, contributions and encouragement. And to any reader who has dropped in to peruse the content—Thank You! Keep coming and spread the word.

In coming days and months, Brands In History will post some special entries. As well, some announcements that hopefully you will be excited about. I am. BIH continues to look at more history—maybe even your favorite historical characters. Feel free to drop me a note with a suggestion or two.

In the meantime, below are select entries that are connected to January. Leading off is a look at Lincoln who delivered the Emancipation Proclamation January 1, 1863. Winston Churchill died on January 24th, 1965. Al Capone also died in January, but on the 25th in 1947.

Therefore, submitted for your continuing approval...

Just a little bigger - Abraham Lincoln.

The original inglorious bastard - Winston Churchill

Gangster Expectations - Al Capone

The Honor Brand

"The honor is to serve..." That's a Klingon saying. And while from a fictitious character, it nicely sums up the spirit of the men and women who serve in our armed forces—and very much those who have sacrificed in the defense of our nation. The fallen are remembered each Memorial Day, and on this one, BIH highlights those who've honored this nation by their service.

Red Tails - The Tuskegee Airmen represent some of the most heroic and honor-bound men that have served our nation. Read their story and find pride in your nation.

Flying Tigers - These were the touch guys, the streetfighers of World War II. The came, the saw, they kicked butt and chewed bubblegum.

George Washington - No lie—George Washington was a man well prepared to lead our nation against the British. If there was one better, he never surfaced. Not only did he serve our budding nation with honor—his leadership demonstrated deep conviction for that which he fought for.

Living in Infamy - Pearl Harbor was a watershed moment for the United States of America. Reminiscent of Hannibal's defeat of Rome at Cannae, Japan made the same errors and let lose a sleeping giant.

Just a little bigger - Abraham Lincoln was never a soldier, but he studied hard about military history and tactics while leading a nation through a dividing war. And for his duty, he gave the ultimate sacrifice.

In Rememberance of US Memorial Day

"The honor is to serve..." That's a Klingon saying. And while from a fictitious character, it nicely sums up the spirit of the men and women who serve in our armed forces—and very much those who have sacrificed in the defense of our nation. The fallen are remembered each Memorial Day, and on this one, BIH highlights those who've honored this nation by their service. But something new has been added. Although Memorial Day is about our fallen American heroes, much of the traditions our military embraces were born in ancient bands of brothers. A common thread among those who serve is a team united in cause and vision. Additional links below reveal ancient examples of team brands. 

Red Tails - The Tuskegee Airmen represent some of the most heroic and honor-bound men that have served our nation. Read their story and find pride in your nation.

Flying Tigers - These were the tough guys, the streetfighers of World War II. They came, they saw, they kicked butt and chewed bubblegum.

George Washington - No lie—George Washington was a man well prepared to lead our nation against the British. If there was one better, he never surfaced. Not only did he serve our budding nation with honor—his leadership demonstrated deep conviction for that which he fought.

Living in Infamy - Pearl Harbor was a watershed moment for the United States of America. Reminiscent of Hannibal's defeat of Rome at Cannae, Japan made the same errors and let loose a sleeping giant.

Just a little bigger - Abraham Lincoln was never a soldier, but he studied hard about military history and tactics while leading a nation through a divisive war. And for his duty, he gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Teamwork is defined differently depending on who is writing the definition. But no matter how you slice it, most agree it includes communication, coordination, effort, and most importantly—cohesion. Without some sort of binder, the individual ingredients are free radicals, to use a chemical term.  Yet as any former or serving military will tell you, once a bond is set ... the team is not only tight and effective—it's lethal. And these teams below have inspired the training and spirit of the American fighting man and woman since our nation was founded. 

• Spartans are Beast: If you want a lesson in teamwork, then the Spartans should be on the coaching staff. Just 300 Spartans held off Persia's King Xerxes and his massive army for three days. Yeah, there were Greek brethren there too, but they scattered quickly. The Spartans stood their ground and gave the Persians a sound spanking before being overrun.

• Samurai jacked: These are Japan's ancient warrior class. On arrival to the battlefield, they'd scare the Zen out of their opponents. All samurai lived and died by the Bushido—a code that bound them together in ferocity, devotion to duty and master, and an "all-in" willingness to die in battle. It just makes you want to see a match-up on Deadliest Warrior between 300 samurai and 300 Spartans. 

Honor to Those Who Served

"The honor is to serve..." That's a Klingon saying. And while from a fictitious character, it nicely sums up the spirit of the men and women who serve in our armed forces—and very much those who have sacrificed in the defense of our nation. The fallen are remembered each Memorial Day, and on this one, BIH highlights those who've honored this nation by their service.

George Washington - No lie—George Washington was a man well prepared to lead our nation against the British. If there was one better, he never surfaced. Not only did he serve our budding nation with honor—his leadership demonstrated deep conviction for that which he fought.

Flying Tigers - These were the tough guys, the streetfighers of World War II. They came, they saw, they kicked butt and chewed bubblegum.

Red Tails - The Tuskegee Airmen represent some of the most heroic and honor-bound men that have served our nation. Read their story and find pride in your nation.

Living in Infamy - Pearl Harbor was a watershed moment for the United States of America. Reminiscent of Hannibal's defeat of Rome at Cannae, Japan made the same errors and let loose a sleeping giant.

Just a little bigger - Abraham Lincoln was never a soldier, but he studied hard about military history and tactics while leading a nation through a divisive war. And for his duty, he gave the ultimate sacrifice.

We are Honored by Your Service

BIH highlights those who've honored this nation by their service. And to them and you who've served, we say—THANK YOU!

Red Tails - The Tuskegee Airmen represent some of the most heroic and honor-bound men that have served our nation. Read their story and find pride in your nation.

Flying Tigers - These were the tough guys, the streetfighers of World War II. They came, they saw, they kicked butt and chewed bubblegum.

George Washington - No lie—George Washington was a man well prepared to lead our nation against the British. If there was one better, he never surfaced. Not only did he serve our budding nation with honor—his leadership demonstrated deep conviction for that which he fought.

Living in Infamy - Pearl Harbor was a watershed moment for the United States of America. Reminiscent of Hannibal's defeat of Rome at Cannae, Japan made the same errors and let loose a sleeping giant.

Just a little bigger - Abraham Lincoln was never a soldier, but he studied hard about military history and tactics while leading a nation through a divisive war. And for his duty, he gave the ultimate sacrifice.

The Honor Brand

"The honor is to serve..." That's a Klingon saying. And while from a fictitious character, it nicely sums up the spirit of the men and women who serve in our armed forces—and very much those who have sacrificed in the defense of our nation. The fallen are remembered each Memorial Day, and on this one, BIH highlights those who've honored this nation by their service.

Red Tails - The Tuskegee Airmen represent some of the most heroic and honor-bound men that have served our nation. Read their story and find pride in your nation.

Flying Tigers - These were the tough guys, the streetfighers of World War II. They came, they saw, they kicked butt and chewed bubblegum.

George Washington - No lie—George Washington was a man well prepared to lead our nation against the British. If there was one better, he never surfaced. Not only did he serve our budding nation with honor—his leadership demonstrated deep conviction for that which he fought.

Living in Infamy - Pearl Harbor was a watershed moment for the United States of America. Reminiscent of Hannibal's defeat of Rome at Cannae, Japan made the same errors and let loose a sleeping giant.

Just a little bigger - Abraham Lincoln was never a soldier, but he studied hard about military history and tactics while leading a nation through a divisive war. And for his duty, he gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Honored Brands

This is not the first use on this site of the Klingon saying, "The honor is to serve." But on such a day honoring veterans, it remains applicable because while stated by a fictitious character, it nicely sums up the spirit of the men and women who served in our armed forces—and very much those who have served and sacrificed in the defense of our nation. On this day, BIH highlights those who've honored our country with their service and, as well, those brands that are the source of many military traditions. A common thread among those who served, and those who currently serve, is a team united in cause and vision.

Submitted for your review...Honor Brands. 

Red Tails - The Tuskegee Airmen represent some of the most heroic and honor-bound men that have served our nation. Read their story and find national pride.

Flying Tigers - These were the tough guys, the streetfighers of World War II. They came, they saw, they kicked butt and chewed bubblegum.

George Washington - No lie—George Washington was a man well prepared to lead our nation against the British. If there was one better, he never surfaced. Not only did he serve our budding nation with honor, his leadership demonstrated a deep conviction for that which he fought.

Living in Infamy - Pearl Harbor was a watershed moment for the United States of America. Reminiscent of Hannibal's defeat of Rome at Cannae, Japan made the same errors and let loose a sleeping giant.

Just a little bigger - Abraham Lincoln was never a soldier, but he studied hard about military history and tactics while leading a nation through a divisive war. And for his duty, he gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Spartans are Beast: If you want a lesson in teamwork, then the Spartans should be on the coaching staff. Just 300 Spartans held off Persia's King Xerxes and his massive army for three days. Yeah, there were Greek brethren there too, but they scattered quickly. The Spartans stood their ground and gave the Persians a sound spanking before being overrun.

Samurai jacked: These are Japan's ancient warrior class. On arrival to the battlefield, they'd scare the Zen out of their opponents. All samurai lived and died by the Bushido—a code that bound them together in ferocity, devotion to duty and master, and an "all-in" willingness to die in battle. It just makes you want to see a match-up on Deadliest Warrior between 300 samurai and 300 Spartans. 

Note: Originally posted November 11, 2019.

The Honor is to Serve

"The honor is to serve..." That's a Klingon saying. And while from a fictitious character, it nicely sums up the spirit of the men and women who serve in our armed forces—and very much those who have sacrificed in the defense of our nation. BIH highlights those who've honored a nation by their service. These entries highlight just a few instances that we should recall on Memorial Day.

George Washington - No lie—George Washington was a man well prepared to lead our nation against the British. If there was one better, he never surfaced. Not only did he serve our budding nation with honor—his leadership demonstrated deep conviction for that which he fought.

Flying Tigers - These were the tough guys, the streetfighers of World War II. They came, they saw, they kicked butt and chewed bubblegum.

Living in Infamy - Pearl Harbor was a watershed moment for the United States of America. Reminiscent of Hannibal's defeat of Rome at Cannae, Japan made the same errors and let loose a sleeping giant.

Just a little bigger - Abraham Lincoln was never a soldier, but he studied hard about military history and tactics while leading a nation through a divisive war. And for his duty, he gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Red Tails - To squadrons of bomber crews gritting it out in the skies over Europe, the Red Tails were angels on their shoulders. This is "Pure-D" American, and it showed that absolutely no color mattered except one—Red.