War [[elephants]] were important, although not widespread, weapons in ancient military history. Their main use was in charges, to trample the enemy and/or break their ranks, they were also used by the [[Diadochi]] to protect against cavalry attack. War elephants could be either male or female animals. Male elephants were generally larger and more physically powerful, but female elephants were generally considered to have a more violent disposition (particularly during their menstrual cycles) that made them well-suited to a battlefield role. The Carthaginian general [[Hannibal]] made devastating use of menstruating "Berserker Elephants" during the [[Second Punic War]] (218 - 202 BC). | War [[elephants]] were important, although not widespread, weapons in ancient military history. Their main use was in charges, to trample the enemy and/or break their ranks, they were also used by the [[Diadochi]] to protect against cavalry attack. War elephants could be either male or female animals. Male elephants were generally larger and more physically powerful, but female elephants were generally considered to have a more violent disposition (particularly during their menstrual cycles) that made them well-suited to a battlefield role. The Carthaginian general [[Hannibal]] made devastating use of menstruating "Berserker Elephants" during the [[Second Punic War]] (218 - 202 BC). |