Throughout history, animals have often been used in warfare, sometimes in surprising and creative ways. Among these unusual wartime creatures were war pigs, deployed in ancient times for a very specific purpose: to counter the war elephants, which were often employed by armies such as those of Carthage and India.
War Elephants – The Problem
In ancient battles, war elephants were devastating. Standing several meters tall and carrying armed soldiers, these massive animals would charge into enemy ranks, causing terror and chaos. Elephants, known for their thick hides and immense strength, were difficult to stop, making them a nightmare for infantry and cavalry.
War Pigs – The Solution
These animals might not seem like warriors. However, there was a particular characteristic of pigs – their ability to terrify elephants. Elephants are naturally afraid of the squealing noises that pigs make, especially when they are distressed. According to ancient sources, armies would set pigs on fire and release them toward the enemy’s war elephants. The terrified, flaming pigs would squeal loudly and the combination of the fire and the noise would cause the elephants to panic, flee and most of the time trample their own soldiers in their terror.
One of the most famous examples of war pigs being used is attributed to the Romans during the Siege of Megara (266 BC). According to accounts, the Romans used pigs to counter the war elephants of the Seleucid forces. The sight and sound of the flaming pigs sent the elephants into a frenzy, disrupting the Seleucid army.
Why Pigs?
Pigs were common animals in ancient societies, relatively easy to acquire, and, as it turned out, naturally suited to the task. Their loud squeals were distressing to elephants, whose heightened sensitivity to sound was their weakness.
Additionally, pigs were low-cost and expendable compared to horses or other military assets. Their use was a clever example of psychological warfare, where terror and chaos could turn the tide of battle without the need for direct engagement.
What Can We Learn from This?
The use of war pigs shows the ingenuity of ancient military commanders, who were willing to try unconventional methods to solve their problems. It also reflects the importance of psychological warfare in ancient combat, where fear and confusion could be as powerful as swords and spears.
The concept of using an enemy’s own strengths against them demonstrates how lateral thinking and innovation can lead to success even in the face of overwhelming odds. While war pigs may seem bizarre by today’s standards, they were an effective tactic in the ancient world, proving that in warfare, sometimes the simplest and most unexpected solutions can be the most effective. The story of war pigs shows the adaptability and resourcefulness of ancient armies when confronted with new and terrifying technologies like war elephants.