One-eyed Hannibal fell upon the Roman empire with overwhelming ferocity and cunning in the year 218 B.C.  The mountains had taken heavy toll on Hannibal's army and particularly his elephants, of which only one completed the journey to the gates of Rome, and these very mountains also deprived him of one of his eyes.  What an apparition to face, a conqueror, already of great reputation, but now in a truly foul mood.  Though the Alps proved the greater enemy than the Romans he was still able to meet them both on favorable terms and subdue them at every turn.  Had he followed the advice of his generals he would have entered Rome and taken possession of that great city and history would have been vastly different than the Latin-based one we know today.   That he accomplished what he did has to rank among the mightiest of achievements in military history.  Even to this day his exploits and military tactics are studied in war colleges around the world.

In this piece unseen hands pull at grappling hooks and nets in order to topple the hated symbol of Rome, S.P.Q.R., standing for the Senate and People of Rome.  The Alps loom far above in ominous majesty as a soldier just ahead of the elephant points the way to Rome itself.  Could it be Hannibal?