Crossing the Alps

In his article, "Over the Alps to Rome's Gates," Daniel A. Fournie wrote about Hannibal's famous march over the Alps, in which he attempted to attack Rome from the north with war elephants in tow. The article pretty well summarizes the hardships of Hannibal and his men, and Fournie details some of the Roman reaction to his endeavor. The article also describes the trouble of transporting the elephants such a great distance over unfamiliar terrain.

GETTING THEIR ELEPHANTS ACROSS the Rhône posed special problems for the Carthaginians. The animals refused to board boats or small rafts for the crossing. Hannibal directed his pioneers to construct a number of large rafts, 25 feet square. These were lashed together in pairs, and eight pairs were attached to the bank, forming a pier 50 feet wide and extending 200 feet into the river. Two additional rafts were attached to this pier and connected with towlines to boats. The rest of the elephants had refused to venture onto boats in the river, so the pier was disguised as dry land, covered with dirt. The elephants were led by two compliant females across the pier and onto the raft. Then the rafts were cut free and towed across the river. The elephants panicked at first but eventually crowded toward the center of the raft and made the crossing safely. The process was repeated a number of times, and though a few of the frightened elephants fell into the water, even they managed to swim across.

Fournie also discussed the issue of where Hannibal and his army crossed the Alps, a debate fought over five possible passes. I find it interesting that given so much study of this event, there is still uncertainty over something as seemingly simple as a path.

Along with the scholars, generals and emperors have advanced their own pet theories. Five Alpine passes have been considered most often. From north to south these are the Little Saint Bernard (elevation 2,188 meters), the Mount Cenis (2,083), the Col du Clapier (2,482), the Mom Genevre (1,850) and the Col de la Traversette (2,914). A recent survey of 24 modern historians yielded the following results: Four chose the Little Saint Bernard, six selected the Mont Cenis, five designated the Col du Clapier and three named the Traversette. Napoleon Bonaparte declared the Mont Cenis as Hannibal's mute. Perhaps only the discovery of archeological remains may someday settle the issue. Until then, each succeeding generation of historians will be free to champion its claim regarding the one true pass.

While knowledge of an exact path may be inconsequential, validation of the actual route may lead to a greater knowledge of this great historical feat.