Did Hannibal's elephants survive the crossing of the alps?

Question

All my sources say EITHER that 37 elephants survived or that all died in the crossing except one--is there any conclusive evidence ? Are there two main surviving sources that have opposing answers? If you know of creditable sources for this info, please tell me.

Answer 1

I believe that some of the elephants (more than one) did survive the crossing of the Alps. They were used in some of the battles on the Italian peninsula, so I would assume that would mean that they crossed the Alps successfully. I'm not sure of an exact number, though. Sorry.
As far as sources, though, you're two best primary sources for the Punic Wars (Hannibal fought in the 2nd Punic War) are Livy and Polybius. They often conflict on details, though, and often times their facts are exaggerated to puff up the glory of Rome. Nevertheless, these are the best sources at which you can look.
As far as secondary sources, one of the best secondary sources on the Punic Wars is "The Punic Wars" by Adrian Goldsworthy. That might have something in it that can help you.
Hope this helps you out! Good luck!

Answer 2

Elephants Crossing The Alps

Answer 3

He had to strive against his way by a Roman military, bypass the Pyrenees (themselves a tricky form of mountains), then strive against his way throughout the time of southern France, for this section became lower than Roman administration, then bypass the ambitious Alps. even as be conscious got here that Hannibal had escaped from Spain, Rome became worried yet no longer panicked. The Senate despatched a 2d military to carry the bridges on the Rhone River. This river is deep and quick in its decrease classes. The Romans were sensible they could forestall Hannibal from crossing, then defeat him of their personal reliable time in southern Gaul. again Hannibal fooled them. He slipped northward, keeping off Roman sentries, and crossed the river on pontoons and by swimming. The crossing became treacherous; no longer purely became the river in spring flood, yet when he were found by the Romans in the course of the crossing, his military would were destroyed instant. maximum outstanding about the crossing became the elephants. The river became too deep for the elephants to wade, and no pontoon bridge would carry them. So he had bladders packed with air -- elephant water wings -- and floated the beasts throughout the time of, no longer with out loss. once throughout the time of, Hannibal marched right now south again and stuck the Roman military completely by wonder. He gained a convincing victory, and now no longer something stood between him and Italy. except the Alps.

Answer 4

Apparently some did though the numbers are not verifiable. Aryault Dodge mentioned breifly about the elephants but not the numbers & Polybius did likewise.

In any case, the major victories of Hannibal in the Italian peninsula were won by his inafntry & Numidian cavalry.

Answer 5

I also had a question like that before, and all of the ancient history teachers said that around ten elephants survived, and after they had crossed it, they didn't last long enough to help with the battle vs. the Romans.

Answer 6

I believe that one did survive the trip.

The source claims as many as three survived the trip.

Answer 7

Hannibal Lector? ha ha
Go to www.history.com and type in the search bar Hannibal?