what do the ancient sources reveal about the challenges and consequences of Hannibal bringing elephants accross the alps and into Italy?

Essay : What do the ancient sources reveal about the challenges and consequences of Hannibal bringing elephants across the Alps and into Italy

The Roman Republic was expanding at an alarming rate during the 3rd century B .C . On the other side of the Mediterranean Sea , the Carthaginian Empire was doing the same . As the two world superpowers of its time continued to spread its empire , competition as to who would be greater and the rush to conquer key nations first , eventually led to a conflict . War eventually broke out in 264 B

.C . between the two , known as the First Punic War . This war lasted for 23 years . The Romans won this war in the end and the Carthaginians were forced to secede their control over Sicily Island to the Romans and even paid a substantial amount of indemnity

Hamilcar Barca , a forceful Carthaginian general came to power , and wanted to push his country 's territory beyond North Africa five years after the conclusion of the First Punic War . He had planned to make Hispania as Carthage 's military base in place of Sicily Island . Hamilcar was undoubtedly considered a great general and easily gained foothold of Hispania and after having fought and won a number of battles , he got killed in combat

Hamilcar was replaced by his son-in-law Hasdrubal and under his leadership the Romans and the Carthaginians signed a treaty . For seven years , the two archenemies were able to tolerate each other . But such a delicate agreement was easily provoked when a Celt assassinated Hasdrubal . The Carthaginians hailed Hannibal , Hamilcar 's son , as the new commander . He led the Carthaginians into what is now referred to as the Second Punic War with the Romans

Hannibal had no intention of fighting the Romans in Hispania . His plan was to fight them on their own turf , in Italy . He rallied 50 ,000 soldiers and several war elephants with him and left for Italy in the spring of 218 B .C . To catch the Romans by surprise , he took his army to travel the least expected route , by crossing the Alps . By doing so Hannibal did the unthinkable , crossing the highest mountain range in Europe . The route was extremely difficult and his army encountered numerous hindrances and difficulties

Hannibal had to battle against many hostile tribes even before getting to the Alps . It was autumn by the time they arrived at the foot of the Alps , and winter was fast approaching . Still determined to take the Roman Republic , Hannibal pushed himself and his men to keep on going Such a decision proved to be fatal for them . A lot of his men already died before even facing any Roman soldiers . The trouble encountered with the Goths , who resented their intrusion , and the exposure to harsh weather conditions cut down and weakened his army . After crossing the Alps for nearly two weeks , Hannibal had lost nearly half of his men and elephants

Despite all the obstacles , Hannibal was able to invade Italy...