How many men did Hannibal Barca lose while crossing the Alps? The exact number of men Hannibal Barca lost while crossing the Alps is uncertain, as historical accounts vary. Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, led his army, including soldiers and elephants, across the Alps during the Second Punic War (218–201 BCE) to confront the Roman Republic. The journey was extremely challenging, with harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and encounters with hostile local tribes.
The ancient historian Polybius, who wrote a detailed account of the Second Punic War, suggested that Hannibal started with around 50,000 infantry, 9,000 cavalry, and 37 war elephants when he crossed the Alps. However, the number of losses suffered during the crossing is unclear. Estimates range widely, but it is commonly believed that a significant portion of Hannibal’s forces perished due to the harsh conditions.
It’s important to note that the numbers provided by ancient historians are often approximations and may not be entirely accurate. The crossing of the Alps remains one of the most remarkable military feats in history.
