Section 11 Livy: Hannibal Crosses the Alps Notes Part 3

Question 1

Hannibal gives the men time off

Answer 1

This is practically sensible - tired men cannot fight well. Also great leadership - he acknowledges their work with the reward of rest. They will respect and like him for it.

Question 2

mollioribus

Answer 2

The comparative form of the adjective highlights the chance in circumstance as the Carthaginians approach the gentle climate after the hostile nature of the summit.

Question 3

zeugma

Answer 3

‘gentler’ applies to both the location and the inhabitants - mollioribus ‘yokes’ the two ideas together. Often the two elements of the zeugma have a causal relationship - the inhabitants are gentler because the terrain is gentler. They don’t need the tough resilience of someone living in the Alps.