VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

FACULTY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
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Class: C_QH1517
Name: Nguyễn Ngọc Phương Nhi
Student ID: 1757060012

Subject: SPEAKING 2B
Lecturer: Hoàng Thạch Quân
Individual presentation 1:
218 BC: HANNIBAL CROSSES THE ALPS

I. Outline:
1. Introduction:
- Hannibal crosses the Alps: one of the greatest military leaders in history.
- The Second Punic War (218-202 BC): Hannibal caught the Romans off guard by crossing the
Alps.

2. Body:
a) About Hannibal Barca:
+ Born in Carthage, North Africa in 247 BC, son of Hamilcar who led troops in the first Punic
war and gave Carthage its most glorious time.
+ 241 BC: Hannibal and his family moved to Spain and tried to build a new empire.
+ Grew up to be a bold and fearless fighter, be ranked alongside Alexander the Great, Julius
Caesar

b) When and how Hannibal crosses the Alps:

- Hannibal decided to across the Alps before the Romans had declared war.
- His army includes 90000 cavalries, horses and 37 African war elephants.
- They crossed the Alps to strike at Rome from the north of the Italy.
- The journey lasted five months, Hannibal’s army was reduced to 36,000 men and one elephants
due to the elements, skirmishes with Gallic tribes and desertion.
- They reached a spot that seemed impassable because of the narrow road.
- Hannibal tried a detour on the terrifying slopes, got the men and horses down the slope and
below the snowline.
- It took three days to get all elephants across, but they were in a poor condition because of
hunger.

c) Result:
- The lands were destroyed, over a million citizens were killed and wounded but Rome won the
second Punic war.
- After Hannibal smashed apart the Roman forces in the north, many animals died of cold or
disease in winter, but Hannibal fought his way down through Italy.

3. Conclusion:
- Hannibal’s march was hugely successful and one of the greatest military feats in history.
- Hannibal’s march took the Romans by surprise in numerous battles.
- His army failed to overcome Rome’s superior resources and manpower.
- Hannibal is recognized as one of the greatest military leaders in history.
- Message: Although your result is good or bad, you will get success in some way if you try your
best.

II. Sources:
1. Hannibal crosses the Alps
https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/hannibal-crosses-the-alps-video
2. The truth about Hannibal’s route across the Alps:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/apr/03/where-muck-hannibals-elephants-alps-italy-
bill-mahaney-york-university-toronto

3. Hannibal crosses the Alps

https://elt.oup.com/elt/students/headway/pdf/dyslexiafriendly/headwayintermediatereadingtextun
it8.pdf

4. In Search of Hannibal: Crossing the Alps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqGVlp6xCpI
5. Hannibal goes to the Alps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QBbnYJD1Zc

6. Hannibal: Across the Alps on War Elephants 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4D8lhUooXc