Final answer:
Hannibal successfully crossed the Alps with his army, including war elephants, to invade Italy during the Second Punic War. His numerous victories over the Romans showcased his military genius, but he was ultimately held back due to logistical challenges and failed alliances. Hannibal returned to Carthage to defend against a Roman counter-attack and was defeated, marking the end of his campaign in Italy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, Hannibal was able to cross the Alps in a daring military campaign during the Second Punic War (218-201 BCE). He led his army, which consisted of about 60,000 men and a few dozen war elephants from Hispania across the Alps into Italy. Despite the harsh conditions of the Alps and the loss of most of his elephants, the survivors became an effective weapon against the Roman forces.
Hannibal's army terrorized the Romans by employing clever tactics and won multiple battles, including those at Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and Cannae. However, Hannibal was hampered by a lack of siege equipment to directly attack Rome and failed to secure alliances with Italian allies. The Romans, on the other hand, adapted to guerrilla warfare and hampered Hannibal's efforts by preventing reinforcements from Spain and Africa, which gradually weakened his forces.
Despite repeated victories in Italy, Hannibal was eventually called back to defend Carthage from a Roman offensive led by the Roman general Scipio, later known as Scipio Africanus, after his victory back in Spain and then in Africa.