War Elephants

Elephants have fought in human armies for more than three thousand years. Asian powers boasted of their pachyderm power, while the Romans fielded elephants alongside their legendary legions but were, perhaps, too proud to admit that mere animals contributed to victory. Elephants have gored, stomped, and sliced their way through infantry and cavalry with great success. They have also been cut, speared, bombed, and napalmed for their efforts. This is the story of their largely forgotten role in the history of warfare.Generals throughout recorded history have used elephants as tanks, bulldozers, and cargo trucks long before such vehicles existed. Until gunpowder began to reduce the utility of elephants in battle during the 17th Century, these beasts built roads, swung swords, or simply terrified opposing forces. Although some believe that elephants were mere gimmicks of warfare, Kistler discredits that notion. His book hopes to give elephants the credit they deserve for the sacrifices they have endured. Elephants have long fought for and served human masters, but it is now the elephants themselves that must be protected. Elephants have fought in human armies for more than three thousand years. Asian armies boasted of their pachyderm power, while the Romans fielded elephants alongside their legendary legions but were perhaps too proud to admit that mere animals contributed to victory. War Elephants is the story of their largely forgotten role in the history of warfare. ø Generals throughout recorded history used elephants as tanks, bulldozers, and cargo trucks long before such vehicles existed. Until gunpowder began to reduce the utility of elephants in battle during the seventeenth century, these beasts built roads, swung swords, or simply terrified opposing forces. Although some believe that elephants were mere gimmicks of warfare, John M. Kistler discredits that notion. War Elephants shows that elephants deserve respect for the sacrifices they have made in the service of many cultures. Elephants have long fought for and served human masters, but it is now the elephants themselves that must be protected.

generals Used Elephants As Tanks, Bulldozers, And Cargo Trucks Long Before Such Vehicles Existed, And, Until Gunpowder Reduced The Utility Of Elephants In Battle, These Beasts Built Roads, Swung Swords, And Terrified Opposing Forces. Kistler, A Librarian, Tells The Story Of The Elephant's Largely Forgotten Role In The History Of Warfare. The Book Includes B&w Historical Photos And Illustrations. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, Or

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avid Military Buffs And Students Of Ancient, Medieval, And Modern Warfare, Animal Rights, And Non-western Warfare Will Find Much Of Interest In This Comprehensive Resource.

Explores how elephants have been used in military battles throughout the history of warfare, explaining how the large animals were used as tanks, bulldozers, and cargo trucks before vehicles existed and how they have been replaced by technological advances