Since 1899, the mule has been the West Point mascot, promoting the spirit of the Corps of Cadets. Mules were very important to the Army in the late 1800s through World War I. While not regular cavalry mounts, they were used extensively to pull supply wagons, caissons, and artillery pieces. Mules are stronger, more surefooted, more intelligent, and eat less than horses. Riding mules such as Hannibal were used by mounted guards and by messengers. Hannibal, who lived from 249 to 183 B.C., was one of the greatest military leaders of all time, and the West Point mascot named Hannibal served the Corps of Cadets faithfully from 1947 to 1964.