Section 11 Livy: Hannibal Crosses the Alps Notes Part 4

Question 1

ut quidam auctores (as some writers say)

Answer 1

This shows that Livy has carefully researched this topic. He has consulted several sources in order to corroborate his evidence.

Question 2

5 month journey

Answer 2

Just to say that this is a very long time to make a journey from one side of the Mediterranean to the other, and highlights Hannibal’s amazing determination to beat Rome.

Question 3

Alpibus superatis

Answer 3

An ablative absolutes to finish: ‘with the Alps having been conquered. This sounds as if they have had a fight with a mountain or if they have won a military campaign.
- This highlights the severity of the life and death nature struggle they have experienced.