In 218 BC, Hannibal crossed the main Alpine ridge in only ten days and defeated Italy - accompanied by a colorful army of 60,000 African, Celtic and Spanish soldiers plus thousands of horses and 37 elephants.
Although the enemies suffered a crushing defeat, Hannibal did not conquer Rome. A fact with unique historical consequences as he was defeated severely by the Romans a bit later. This was the beginning of Rome's world power within the Mediterranean area, signing at the same time the fall of North Africa's Empire of Carthage.
