As I read this, a question came to mind that I had never considered. Those elephants of Hannibal's, were they African elephants or Asian? I have read that African elephants have never been domesticated, but it seems a long way to bring Asian elephants. Any historical insights?
Great recap, and very interesting. I think the grain you mentioned must have been wheat, not corn. I think corn is a New World import, maize that only shows up, what…, 2000 years later in the 16th and 17th centuries (Italians and polenta). You did mention nerdy details in your intro, so (church Latin) mea culpa, mea culpa.
Hanibal marching elephants over the Alps into Italy is a great moment in history. Only Alexander was an equal in audacity. As Patton said”Audace, tojour Audace”
As I read this, a question came to mind that I had never considered. Those elephants of Hannibal's, were they African elephants or Asian? I have read that African elephants have never been domesticated, but it seems a long way to bring Asian elephants. Any historical insights?
According to Wiki they were North African elephants, Loxodonta africana pharaohensis, which are now extinct.
Citation - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_African_elephant
Thank you! That was a possibility I hadn't considered.
I hadn’t either! So lovely to learn something new!
Great recap, and very interesting. I think the grain you mentioned must have been wheat, not corn. I think corn is a New World import, maize that only shows up, what…, 2000 years later in the 16th and 17th centuries (Italians and polenta). You did mention nerdy details in your intro, so (church Latin) mea culpa, mea culpa.
Hanibal marching elephants over the Alps into Italy is a great moment in history. Only Alexander was an equal in audacity. As Patton said”Audace, tojour Audace”
Shouldn't it be casus belli?