Post Description

The film begins with the Roman Senate hearing about Hannibal (Victor Mature) crossing the Alps with his men and many elephants. The crossing is difficult, with many men dying en route, but they manage to pass through, in part because Hannibal forms an allegiance with a local chieftain.

Hannibal's troops capture Sylvia, daughter of Roman senator Fabius Maximus, and they fall in love. Some of Hannibal's troops oppose the match and an unsuccessful attempt is made on Sylvia's life. Hannibal also loses an eye during battle.

Despite the warnings of Fabius, who suggests fighting a piecemeal campaign against Hannibal and the Carthaginians until they are weakened, the Romans determined to fight them in the open. Hannibal leads his troops to victory in the Battle of Cannae.

Fabius is recalled to lead Roman troops and the momentum of Hannibal's campaign is lost. Hannibal's wife and child come from Carthage, and Sylvia returns to the Roman lines, and commits suicide. A post script informs us that Hannibal fought on for many more years in many more lands.