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It's fall 217 B.C. in the mountains of Central Italy. Amid a camp of Carthaginian

soldiers walks Hannibal Barca their 30-year-old general.

While his soldiers rest and relax, Hannibal's mind races.

For over a year, war has been raging between Carthage and Rome as the two powers battle for supremacy over the Mediterranean.

It's a conflict known as the second Punic War, and Hannibal and his troops are fresh off a string of victories over Rome.

But trouble is on the horizon.

Hannibal and his forces are stuck.

Roman troops have surrounded the Carthaginians' camp blocking any route out to the mountains.

Fortunately, Hannibal and his soldiers have plenty of food, having gleaned several thousand cattle through their recent victories.

Hannibal's troops are now enjoying the spoils of war, cooking meat over fires.

But it's only a matter of time before their situation grows more dire.

Winter is on its way, and their cattle won't last them indefinitely.

With the Romans ready to wait them out, Hannibal knows he needs to make a move now while conditions

are still favorable.

As the general surveys the camp, staring into the eyes of the cattle among it, an idea comes to him, a way to use these animals as a distraction.

Immediately Hannibal orders his troops to find good kindling.

While they spring into action,

Hannibal rounds up his commanders and shares his plan.

...