Hannibal Barca on Surus War Elephant

This item is part of the “Punic Wars: Hannibal at the Gates” Carthage collection.

Hannibal Barca (247-183 BCE) was a Carthaginian general, considered one of the greatest military strategists of antiquity. He is best known for his role in the Second Punic War where he led Carthaginian forces across the Alps  and into Italy, challenging the dominance of the Roman Republic.

Surus was the war elephant that Hannibal Barca rode during his invasion of Italy in the Second Punic War. After his other elephants died during the difficult crossing of the Alps and the harsh winter that followed, Surus was the only one that survived. The animal became an iconic symbol of Hannibal's campaign, with historical accounts mentioning him as a resilient and formidable mount.

The story of Surus

Journey over the Alps: In 218 B.C., Hannibal began his legendary march from Spain toward Rome, with an army that included dozens of war elephants. The journey was treacherous, and the vast majority of the elephants succumbed to the extreme cold, perilous terrain, and exhaustion.

The lone survivor: By early 217 B.C., a devastating ice storm claimed all but one of the remaining elephants. Surus, recognizable by a broken tusk, was the sole survivor.

Hannibal's personal mount: Surus became Hannibal's primary mount for years during the campaign in Italy. This was particularly useful to Hannibal after he lost sight in one eye due to an infection while crossing a marshy area in Etruria. Riding atop Surus provided him with a superior vantage point over the battlefield.

A formidable beast: Roman writers noted Surus's bravery and intimidating presence. He was a large elephant, and some historians believe he may have been a Syrian elephant, a larger species than the North African elephants the Carthaginians typically used. This is suggested by his name, which means "The Syrian". He reportedly wore a distinctive red cloth, or caparison, into battle.

What happened to Surus?

Historical sources offer conflicting accounts of Surus's ultimate fate:

Some accounts claim that Surus returned to Africa with Hannibal and was captured by the Romans after the Battle of Zama in 202 B.C..

Other, less-substantiated stories suggest Surus was given an "honorable discharge" and lived out his days on an estate in Italy as a celebrated former war animal.

Regardless of the details, Surus's remarkable endurance and his association with one of history's greatest military tacticians ensured that his story endured for generations.

Hannibal Barca on Surus War Elephant Carthage. 28 mm Miniatures

Ideal for games like HAIL CAESAR, SAGA and other wargames.

This set contains unpainted Hannibal Barca on Surus War Elephant and base.

Ideal for games like SAGA and other wargames.

Produced by Tofer's Miniatures
The model was designed by Carlos A. Mariani