In 218 BC Hannibals Barca led a mighty force across the Alps with 37 war elephants in one of history s boldest maneuvers during the Second Punic War. While the Romans controlled the sea and expected any enemy to approach from the south, no one imagined an invasion from the north. For 15 harsh days Hannibals troops braved freezing cold, snowstorms, and constant ambushes from local tribes. Despite heavy losses the army reached Italy and stunned the Roman leadership. | The History Page