CLEP Western Civ I

Answer: A - Carthaginian leader Hannibal made his legendary crossing of the Alps during the Second Punic War, which lasted from 218 to 201 BCE. The Punic Wars were a series of three conflicts between the Roman Republic and Carthage (in modern-day Tunisia) regarding control of the Mediterranean region. Rome ultimately won all three wars, but Carthage mounted its fiercest opposition during the Second Punic War under Hannibal. He crossed the Alps with a massive army and a team of elephants to enter Italy. The event was significant because until that time, military commanders believed that large natural features (like mountain ranges) were effective physical barriers against invasion. By crossing the Alps, Hannibal proved that no geographical feature was insurmountable.