Hannibal Crosses the Alps

The legendary march of Hannibal over the Alps continues to puzzle historians, who argue over which mountain pass the Carthaginian army actually used. This work brings the debate to life by examining the ancient testimonies of Polybius and Livy, translating their distance measurements into modern miles, and mapping them onto today’s Alpine terrain. The author also considers the influence of centuries‑old textual errors and the opinions of modern Alpine clubs, offering a clear, evidence‑based picture of the challenges faced by the troops.

Organized as a series of proposed routes—from the Great Saint Bernard to the Simplon—the book weighs the pros and cons of each possibility, letting listeners assess the evidence for themselves. Interwoven with vivid descriptions of high‑altitude passes, the author’s own trekking notes add a personal dimension that grounds the scholarship in real experience. The result is a compelling blend of history, geography, and travel that makes an ancient military mystery accessible and engaging.