Roman use of war elephants

[JP Vieira]

Hello
It is well know that the Romans fought against armies with elephants (Carthaginians, Successors’ states, Pirrus, etc.).
However I would like to know more of the use, by the Roman themselves, of war elephants.
I am very interested in their appearance (this is a research for an upcoming illustration).
I would appreciate the following facts: species of elephant use of turret or not, appearance of "driver" (armoured/unarmoured) and the type of soldiers on the elephant and their armament.
Thanks in advance
Best regards
JP Vieira

[Tarbicus]

You might want to consider a now extinct species of African elephant, the Forest Elephant, as used by the Carthaginians? Small like the Indian elephant.
http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic. ... 5033#85033

[Roy]

I only know of three battles in which the Roman used elephants, but there're probably more though.

Battle of Magnesia - ?
Battle of Thapsus - elephants from Juba
Battle of Cynoscephalae - elephants from Massinissa

The elephants used by the Numidians (and thus by the Romans in the battles listed above) likely were African Forest Elephants (see the topic Tarbicus linked too).

[JP Vieira]

Hello
The sub-species of African elephant, I assume, would look more or less like the modern African elephant except for its size which would be smaller?
Did the Roman used their own soldiers and "drivers" (cornaca?) or did they use mercenary/allies troops with the elephants? Was any Roman unit that used elephants or were they integrated with a totally foreign corps?
Thanks
Best regards
JP Vieira

[Mitra]

This is a very good book about the war elephants, JP.

http://www.romanarmy.nl/rat/viewtopic.p ... 55a6d191b1

[JP Vieira]

Ciao Davide
Thanks for the tip.
Grazie
JP Vieira