What kind of elephants did Hannibal take across the Alps when he invaded Rome? African or Indian?

Answer 1

Some historians feel that Hannibal's elephants were African bush elephants, and others say they were North African elephants, and still others feel they must have been Indian elephants, while one of Hannibal's elephants was known as "Sarus," which means "the Syrian." This elephant was very large and was the outstanding animal in the elephant battle squadron.

After the Syrian and Indian elephants had proven their worth in battle, the Egyptians and Carthaginians deployed African Plains Elephants in the same role. These animals were tamed and prepared for battle in eastern Sudan and Tunisia. The Plains Elephant is much larger and heavier than the Indian elephant, but may have been smaller than the Syrian Elephant.

Properly armed and armored, the Plains Elephant became a formidable enemy for infantry and cavalry. The crew of a Carthaginian war elephant typically consisted of four men, the Numidian Mahout who controlled the animal, and three Carthaginian soldiers in the tower: officer, archer, and infantryman armed with the Sarissa, a lance 5 - 6 m long. The tower had rounded shields on the tower sides. The infantrymen were armed with a lance 5.5 m to 6 m long. The crew usually had an archer as well.

Answer 2

Actually I would guess they were a breed of African elephant that has either become the more aggressive modern African elephant or died out as a species after the fall of Carthage.

It is also good to note none of the Elephants actually survived the trek to Rome.

Answer 3

African ones

Answer 4

They were Indian elephants. They were already trained for centuries with war and working. Have you ever wondered why African elephants never worked?. Its there temperament

Answer 5

You can't tame African elephants...

Answer 6

would have been african elephant, since Carthage was north of Africa.

Answer 7

african