A recent study has applied biophysical principles to evaluate the energetic cost of the possible routes Hannibal may have taken during his legendary crossing of the Alps in 218 BC. The analysis suggests that the Col du Clapier would have been the most energetically favorable option for the Carthaginian army, including its elephants and cavalry. This interdisciplinary approach offers a new perspective on a historical event, quantifying the physical demands of one of antiquity's greatest military feats.

The research focused on calculating the metabolic expenditure of soldiers and animals, considering factors such as terrain inclination, altitude, temperature, and carried load. Standard biophysical models were used to estimate calorie consumption based on body mass, speed, and environmental conditions. The results indicate that the Col du Clapier presented an optimal combination of lower maximum altitude and gentler slopes compared to other proposed routes, which would translate into less exhaustion and a higher probability of success for the expedition. Although the study does not definitively resolve the exact route, it provides a quantitative basis for evaluating the feasibility of different historical hypotheses.

This type of analysis, combining physics with history and biology, demonstrates how scientific tools can shed light on past events, providing a deeper understanding of the logistical and physiological challenges faced by ancient civilizations. The findings are not only relevant to historians but also illustrate the applicability of biophysical models in unconventional contexts, opening the door for future research on the energetic cost of other major historical movements or animal migrations.