The Rest Is History 570. Hannibal: The Invasion of Italy (Part 3)
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Jun 1, 2025 Discover the audacious crossing of the Alps by Hannibal and his troops. Explore the sacrifices endured by his army and the psychological transformation under his leadership. Delve into his tactical genius as he engages the Romans in a dramatic showdown at the Trebbia River. Witness the intricacies of Hannibal's strategies in Italy, including his clever recruitment of local tribes and the bold ambush against Roman forces. Uncover the political upheaval in Rome as they respond to Hannibal's relentless advance.
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Hannibal's Alpine Engineering Feat
- Hannibal ingeniously cleared Alpine landslide debris by heating rocks and pouring sour wine to make carving easier.
- This extraordinary feat highlights his determination and contributes to his legendary status among enemies and admirers alike.
Sacrificing Men for Strategic Advantage
- Hannibal sacrificed over half his army crossing the Alps but gained a strategic advantage by entering Italy to fight on his terms.
- Napoleon praised this as choosing his battlefield, emphasizing initiative over preserving manpower.
Hannibal Rebuilds Army with Gauls
- Hannibal aimed to intimidate Rome and sway the Italian Gauls to his side with his spectacular arrival.
- His successful recruitment of Gallic allies helped rebuild his army to its original strength after heavy losses.