Our son and I love this story. How can you not?! So historic. So dramatic. Such hubris!
Hannibal crossing the alps would be the pinnacle theme for travel for us and this article probably exacerbates that. I’m not sure how it would even happen but in 5+ years I definitely want to explore following Hannibal route as far as we can. It would be amazing.
Which route?
This fascinating read talks about historians and scientists trying to piece together the exact path Hannibal, with elephants and all, crossed the Alps in 218 BC. Treacherous today, can you imagine what was going through the minds of not only Hannibal and his army but of the Romans when this was discovered?
There are a few basic theories of where the crossing occurred and as quoted in the article, “Few historical problems have produced more unprofitable discussion than that of Hannibal’s pass over the Alps.” Hannibalologists (I love that this is somehow a word) do have some clues and environmental parameters to work with:
- A day’s march from a narrow gorge, where Hannibal’s men walked single file and tribesmen hidden on cliffs began their assault.
- A “white” or “bare” rock place, where some of his fleeing troops spent that night.
- A clearing on the approach near the summit, surrounded by year-round snow, large enough to camp an army of at least 25,000. And a point on the summit where the troops could gaze down to the Po River Plain.
- A steep, slippery descent on the Italian side that’s hemmed in by precipices and bottoms out in a valley suitable for pasturing horses and pack animals.
C.S.I.-like tools and processes are used to find out if animals might have been in certain locations (to feed, graze) or for signs of an army (camp fires, weapons, burial sites). The science alone is fascinating.
Just try and look at the photos of scientists reading the ancient accounts while traversing the alpine landscape!
Family conversation topic: Why is it so important to “know” Hannibal’s exact route? What strategies would the kids use if they were up in the mountains? Would they, too, refer to the ancient accounts for clues?
Making Connections
Articles or documentaries or books about past topics learned by the kids have a lot of benefits. An interest from their past is rekindled. Connecting back to previous ideas, discussions, and experiences helps with memory and retention of information and is also an opportunity to encourage further exploration and curiosity. Kids can now categorize new information alongside what they’ve previously learned. After a hundred Hannibal bedtimes I don’t have to remind his where Carthage was and who Hannibal was going to “battle” (no deaths in our stories yet) and how he got there. Now I might show him the map above and talk about how we know what we know and how thinking and talking about it is so interesting.
Last, I might even show him this Slodtz statue of Hannibal from the Louvre in preparation for our France trip this spring. Walk along the Seine until we see their favorite pyramid and then go inside and visit with some old friends.
talk soon,
Dan