By Gary Hallock

It is often presumed that the Carthaginian military strategist, Hannibal invaded Italy by crossing the alps on pachyderms because he wished to have a tactical advantage over his enemy. The simple truth was that he had so much equipment and ammunition to haul there would be no other way for him to accomplish the journey. Hannibal knew that in order to be certain of a victory, it was important that he maintain the elephant of supplies.