Hannibal
Crosses the Alps
In
CCXVIII BCE the Carthaginian
general Hannibal launched what is considered one of the
greatest military feats in history. He and his army invaded
Rome from the north by crossing the alps.
Hannibal is believed to have entered the foothills of the
Alps with about 50 000
infantry, 9 000 cavalry,
37 elephants, siege
engines and pack animals.
Due
to extreme cold, land slides, bad weather, hostile tribes
and some bad luck the army emerged on Roman soil 15
days later with with about 38 000
soldiers, 8000 cavalry
& perhaps 12 elephants.
Whilst
there is much argument about the exact route Hannibal's
forces took it is estimated that they traveled about 280kms
or 173 miles to cross
the Alps.
Controversy
also exists about where Hannibal's elephants came from?
- It is thought that he used the now extinct North African
Forest elephant.
Possible
Extension:
-
Research Hannibal's campaign. List the four most impressive
feats of the campaign & why is this military action
remembered today?
-
What stories can you find about Hannibal's favourite and
bravest elephant.
-
Record the losses experienced by Hannibal's army in Roman
Numerals.