---
title: Hannibal on Surus
author: Nicolas Poussin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21040/hannibal-on-surus/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2025-09-25
---
# Hannibal on Surus
_Authored by Nicolas Poussin_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21040.jpg)
## Image Caption
*[Hannibal](https://www.worldhistory.org/hannibal/) Crossing the Alps on Elephants*, oil on canvas painting by Nicolas Poussin, c. 1625-1626.
Hannibal Barca, famed Carthaginian general, crossed the Alps in 218 BCE during the [Second Punic War](https://www.worldhistory.org/Second_Punic_War/). The crossing was planned as a move that would bypass [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) troops in northwestern [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/) and strike at the very heart of the [Roman Republic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Republic/). Although many troops and animals died in the crossing, Hannibal's gamble successfully caught the Romans by surprise and managed to shore up support for the Carthaginians in northern Italy.
Private collection.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Poussin, N. (2025, September 25). Hannibal on Surus. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Poussin, Nicolas. "Hannibal on Surus." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 25, 2025. .
### MLA
Poussin, Nicolas. "Hannibal on Surus." *World History Encyclopedia*, 25 Sep 2025, .
## License & Copyright
[Original image](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hannibal_traversant_les_Alpes_%C3%A0_dos_d%27%C3%A9l%C3%A9phant_-_Nicolas_Poussin.jpg) by [**Nicolas Poussin**](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hannibal_traversant_les_Alpes_%C3%A0_dos_d%27%C3%A9l%C3%A9phant_-_Nicolas_Poussin.jpg). Submitted by [Franco R. Batista Garcia](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/francobatista022/ "User Page: Franco R. Batista Garcia"), published on 25 September 2025. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.