Magister Elephantorvm: A Reappraisal of Hannibal’s Use of Elephants

Abstract

This article, which examines all the available evidence for Hannibal's use of elephants in the Second Punic War, refutes the contention that Hannibal was especially innovative in his tactical use of the beasts. In addition, greater reliance on elephants in Italy, particularly after his success at the Trebia, would have hindered Hannibal in his lengthy campaign against Rome. The article also contends that Hannibal's use of massed elephants at Zama highlights the degree to which he was accustomed to take chances in the field, especially given his demonstrable familiarity with the fickle nature of elephants when used for military purposes.