Surus
Hannibal’s elephant
Quick Summary
Surus was Hannibal's personal elephant, an Asian elephant that accompanied him on his famous crossing of the Alps into Italy in 218 BCE. While Hannibal began the journey with 37 elephants, Surus was the only one to survive the arduous trek. War elephants were known for their ability to charge men and horses and for the panic they inspired in enemy mounts. Hannibal's use of elephants was a significant tactical element in his campaigns against Rome during the Second Punic War.1234
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