Salammbo Flaubert Gustave

Salammbo is the daughter of a Carthaginian general and statesman, who becomes the object of desire of the warrior leader who has invaded her home. After a precious veil is stolen from the city's holy temple, Salammbo is determined to bring it back.

Following the First Punic War, Carthage is unable to compensate its army of hired mercenaries. This angers the men causing them to revolt and attack the city. One of their leaders, Matho, has fallen in love with Salammbo, a priestess and daughter of the Carthaginian general. When Salammbo discovers the mercenaries have stolen a sacred veil, she goes to retrieve it. Yet, legend warns whoever touches the veil--regardless of intent--is doomed to die.

Salammbo is a historical epic that depicts the internal and external tragedy of war. It explores both sides of a conflict that leads to the same startling conclusion.