The next morning, at daybreak, the whole of his cavalry were posted to the south to cover the movements of the army and to check the Roman advance.

The infantry were then set in motion up the bank of the river and Hannibal, with a small party, remained behind to watch the passage of the elephants, which had not yet been brought across.
The elephants had not been trained to take to the water, and the operation was an extremely difficult one.

Very strong and massive rafts were joined together until they extended two hundred feet into the river, being kept in their place by cables fastened to trees on the bank above them.

At the end of this floating pier was placed another raft of immense size, capable of carrying four elephants at a time.

A thick covering of earth was laid over the whole, and on this turf was placed.
The elephants were then led forward.
So solid was the construction that they advanced upon it without hesitation.