When the famous Carthaginian general Hannibal catapulted poisonous snakes at enemy ships

Bithynia and Pergamon were neighboring kingdoms in Asia Minor, known for their political rivalries and territorial disputes.

In 184 BCE, the two kingdoms found themselves embroiled in a naval war. The Bithynian fleet, led by Hannibal, faced a significant disadvantage in terms of numbers against the forces of Pergamon, commanded by King Eumenes II.

Outnumbered and in need of a game-changing strategy, Hannibal devised a plan that would target the very heart of the enemy fleet, seeking to strike down Eumenes II himself.

Realizing that direct engagement with the enemy fleet would be perilous, Hannibal needed a means to both defend his own ships and ensure the success of his mission.

Inspired by his knowledge of the natural world and his penchant for unconventional tactics, he devised a plan that would strike fear into the hearts of his adversaries.

Hannibal ordered his ships to load clay pots filled with venomous snakes, such as vipers and serpents, into catapults.

These vessels were aimed at the ship carrying King Eumenes II, seeking to disrupt the enemy's leadership and create chaos within their ranks.

The intention was not only to inflict physical harm but also to exploit the psychological impact that such an attack would have on the enemy sailors.

As the Bithynian fleet approached the Pergamenian ships, Hannibal's order was executed with precision.

Clay pots filled with poisonous snakes were hurled towards the enemy vessels, shattering upon impact and releasing a horde of venomous reptiles upon the unsuspecting sailors.

The scene must have been nothing short of terrifying, with snakes slithering across the decks, hissing and striking at anyone in their path.

The snake attack proved to be a masterstroke by Hannibal, as the Pergamenian fleet was thrown into disarray.

The venomous snakes not only caused physical harm to the sailors but also sowed panic and confusion among their ranks.

This allowed the Bithynian fleet to press their advantage and target the ship carrying King Eumenes II directly.

While the historical records do not provide explicit details about the outcome of this particular naval battle, it is evident that Hannibal's innovative tactic left a lasting impression.

The use of snakes as a weapon of war showcased the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Hannibal as a military strategist.

It also underlines the lengths to which commanders were willing to go to gain an upper hand in ancient warfare.

Our main source of information about this event is from Cornelius Nepos, a Roman historian and biographer.

His most famous work is called "De Viris Illustribus" ("On Famous Men"), which includes biographies of notable figures from antiquity. 

While the exact details and logistics of procuring the poisonous snakes are not explicitly mentioned by Nepos, it is conceivable that Hannibal's forces, operating in the region of Bithynia, were able to gather a sufficient number of venomous serpents from the local environment.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that while Cornelius Nepos is a respected ancient historian, his account may still contain elements of myth or exaggeration.

As with any historical source, critical analysis and corroboration with other contemporary accounts are necessary to assess the accuracy and reliability of the information provided.

The naval battle between Bithynia and Pergamon in 184 BCE stands as a testament to the audacity and creativity of military commanders during ancient times.

Hannibal's decision to catapult clay pots filled with poisonous snakes at the enemy ships demonstrated his willingness to employ unconventional methods to achieve victory.

While the use of snakes as a weapon may seem extraordinary to us today, it exemplifies the relentless pursuit of advantage in the face of overwhelming odds.