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Why did Hannibal choose a land route?
Hannibal knew enough about the Alps to know in particular that the descent was steeper than the ascent into the Alps. This was one of the reasons he wanted to have allies into whose territory he could march.
What route did Hannibal decide to take in order to attack Rome?
Their commander Hannibal marched his troops, including cavalry and African war elephants, across a high pass in the Alps to strike at Rome itself from the north of the Italian peninsula. It was one of the greatest military feats in history.
Why did Hannibal go back to North Africa in 203 BC?
The Roman defeat at Cannae stunned much of southern Italy, and many of Rome’s allies and colonies defected to the Carthaginian side. He then invaded North Africa, forcing Hannibal to withdraw his troops from southern Italy in 203 B.C. in order to defend his home state.
How did archaeologists gain definitive evidence about Hannibal’s route?
Mahaney and co-authors have finally provided solid evidence for the most likely transit route that took Hannibal’s forces across the Alps — via the Col de Traversette pass. Mahaney’s team has shown that a ‘mass animal deposition’ event occurred near the Col de Traversette around 218 BC.
Why did Hannibal take elephants?
An army like Hannibal’s would need elephants that could be well-trained and manageable, so Asian elephants seem the most likely choice. The story goes that, in a battle, Hannibal would armor up his elephants, give alcohol with them to get them drunk, and then antagonize them by poking their ankles with spears.
Why did Hannibal invade Italy?
Hannibal Invades Italy Hannibal believed he could augment his army with anti-Roman Gauls as well as city-states willing to trade allegiances. Rome sent several armies against Hannibal. All efforts, however, resulted in Roman defeat. Although Rome remained resistant, resources and men were slowly taking a toll.
How did Hannibal get across the Alps?
The truth about Hannibal’s route across the Alps. Their commander Hannibal marched his troops, including cavalry and African war elephants, across a high pass in the Alps to strike at Rome itself from the north of the Italian peninsula. It was one of the greatest military feats in history.
How did Hannibal’s elephants help him conquer Rome?
Their commander Hannibal marched his troops, including cavalry and African war elephants, across a high pass in the Alps to strike at Rome itself from the north of the Italian peninsula. It was one of the greatest military feats in history.
Did Hannibal’s elephants travel the Traversette?
Col de la Traversette is considered the most probable route. Researchers examined the sediment: The results of DNA and Carbon-14 analysis (a method to determine the age of organic materials) suggest that a large group of animals went on this route by the time around 218 BC. But there’s no hard evidence yet that it was Hannibal and his elephants.
Where did Hannibal cross the Rhône River?
We know that Hannibal’s army went along the Rhône river in southern France, passed Avignon, and after crossing the Alps, battled near the Ticinus River, before they continued to the south of Italy. No Carthaginian documents about this have survived.