Skip to content
PodcastMentions
Back to search
The Rest Is History artwork
The Rest Is HistoryMay 28, 2025

569. Hannibal: Elephants Cross the Alps (Part 2)

About This Episode
Why did Hannibal choose to cross the Alps with his elephants in 218 BC, when invading Rome? Was it a brilliant stratagem or a military disaster? What was the secret to the Roman Republic’s growing military success at this time? And, why did Carthage, under Hannibal’s formidable generalship, believe they were more than capable of taking on the might of Rome? Join Tom and Dominic as they charge into one of the most legendary military clashes of all time: the outbreak of the Second Punic War, which saw Carthage under Hannibal Barka, take on the Roman Republic, by leading his army all the way over the snowbound Alps, atop elephants…. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude
Book Mentions
3 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to books
Tip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
Tip: Click a cover image to open a book link.

Books Mentioned

The Vanity of Human Wishes cover

The Roman poet Juvenal wrote a satire on the vanity of human wishes, which is referenced in the discussion about hubris and nemesis.

Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Hannibal and St. John cover
Hannibal and St. John
Simon Hornblower

A very distinguished scholar of antiquity in his wonderful book, Hannibal and St. John, discusses the Roman officer class's need for fresh outlets for aggression.

ASIN: 1009453351
Buy on Amazon
Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Livy cover

Livy is mentioned as an exemplar of Roman historians who later criticize Hannibal's strategies, suggesting he cheats by having superior information.

Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.