Category: History > Elephants
In ancient warfare, elephants were not only majestic creatures but also formidable tools of battle. Used primarily by Indian and Persian armies, these massive animals were trained to charge into enemy lines, causing chaos and fear among opposing troops. The first recorded use of war elephants dates back to the 4th century BCE in India, where they were integral to the armies of Indian kings. Notably, the famous conqueror Hannibal Barca famously led a herd of war elephants across the Alps during the Second Punic War against Rome in 218 BCE, a maneuver that was both audacious and strategically significant. The sheer presence of these creatures on the battlefield could turn the tide of conflict, as they were capable of trampling soldiers and disrupting formations, making them an innovative and terrifying addition to ancient military tactics.