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Did Hannibal really cross the Alps?
In 218 BC, 28-year old Hannibal, his soldiers, and his 37 African battle elephants marched from southern Spain to the plains of northern Italy – but took an unexpected route. Instead of following the coastline or going by sea, he crossed the Alps, to the surprise of the Roman Empire army.
What was Hannibal route through the Alps?
The most obvious route for Hannibal to have taken through the Alps is called the Col du Clapier, known in antiquity as the Way of Hercules, historian and archaeologist Eve MacDonald, a lecturer in ancient history at Cardiff University in the U.K., told Live Science.
Did Hannibal use vinegar to cross the Alps?
According to legend related by the Roman historian Livy, while in the Alps, his soldiers encountered a rock formation that prevented their passage. Hannibal’s solution was to light fires to heat up the rocks and pour vinegar into cracks of the hot rocks.
What was Rome’s greatest military defeat?
In September AD 9 half of Rome’s Western army was ambushed in a German forest. Three legions, comprising some 25,000 men under the Roman General Varus, were wiped out by an army of Germanic tribes under the leadership of Arminius.
Did Hannibal cross the Alps dissolving boulders with vinegar?
The sour wine had an acidic content similar to that of vinegar. Pouring the acidic substance over the red hot boulders caused them to fissure all over (Prevas 84). The rocks thus weakened, Hannibal’s men were able to break them with hammers and picks until even the elephants could pass through.
What mountains did Hannibal cross with the elephants?
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 melt the rocks?
How many elephants did Hannibal take over the Alps?
37
By most accounts Hannibal’s invasion force in 218 B.C., assembled in Spain, included 100,000 men and 37 or 38 elephants. Mr.
What two mountain ranges did Hannibal’s army cross?
through which mountain ranges did hannibal’s army have to travel with elephants? pyrenees and alps. You just studied 8 terms!
How many of Hannibal’s elephants made it to Italy?
Hannibal dealt the Romans under Scipio several crushing defeats but ultimately failed to seize Rome itself. Only one of the elephants survived the war, it seems.
Why did Hannibal use vinegar?
The reference to vinegar may come from a description by Livy of Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps, when it was said that the soldiers used vinegar in fire-setting to remove large rocks in the path of his army.