Where did they keep the mules in garrison?

[D B Campbell]

Generations of writers and historians have either ignored or missed much of the ancient literary evidence concerning Hannibal's supply problems. Despite all the speculation on grand strategy, personality defects or siege equipment, Hannibal's failure to move on Rome stemmed from the least glamorous and most mundane reason of all: no food

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As Shean notes, Hannibal’s army spent much time in Italy “living hand to mouth”.

Which leads seamlessly into a shameless plug for Ancient Warfare magazine III.4, with an article on "Hannibal at the Gates".