The famous Carthaginian general known for crossing the Alps during the Second Punic War was Hannibal Barca. Hannibal's remarkable military tactics, including his audacious crossing of the mountains with war elephants, were aimed at surprising the Roman forces. This strategic maneuver was part of his campaign against Rome, demonstrating his ingenuity as a commander. Hannibal's actions significantly impacted the course of the war and highlighted the fierce rivalry between Carthage and Rome during this critical historical period.