|  | | Scipio Africanus | | | | also known as | Civilization: | Roman: Rome | Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus | Era: | Punic Wars | | 234–149 BC | Field of Renown: | military: Consul |
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Scipio yields the Spanish princess to her lover.
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Scipio Africanus was the greatest Roman general of the Punic Wars, and the only Roman consul who was
able to decisively defeat Hannibal. He fought under his uncle and father during the early years of
the Second Punic War, and was present at the battles of Ticinus, Trebia, and Cannae. He then
followed his father to Spain, and there distinguished himself as both a general, and as a capable
leader. He was elected proconsul of Spain in 211 B.C., and
by 209 B.C. had conquered New Carthage.
There is a famous story told of a beautiful maiden who was brought to him after a great battle.
Instead of taking her for himself he returned her to her family and fiancé, thereby winning himself
a reputation for justice and mercy among the Spanish population. He subdued all of Carthage's
Spanish empire, and then returned to Rome, to help drive Hannibal out of Italy. He was elected
Consul in 205 B.C., intending to take the war to Africa, in order to force Hannibal out of his
mountain stronghold in southern Italy, but he encountered great resistance from his enemies in the
Senate. He finally prevailed in his plans, and the Roman victory at the battle of Zama finally
brought the Second Punic War to a close.
The Scipios were a controversial family, and had many powerful enemies, including Cato the
Censor. Scipio Africanus was a man of culture, who could speak and write Greek fluently, and was
an excellent orator. His political enemies despised his luxurious habits, and accused him of
bribery and other misdeeds during the wars in the East against Antiochus III.
He eventually retired
to the country, nearly ruined by his enemies. His daughter was Cornelia, mother of the famous
Gracchi.
Key events during the life of Scipio Africanus
| Year |
Event |
| 218 BC |
Fought under his father at Ticinus. |
| 216 BC |
Survived the battle of Cannae. |
| 211 BC |
Elected to proconsulship in Spain, upon the death of his father and uncle. |
| 209 BC |
Conquered New Carthage—established reputation as a great general. |
| 205 BC |
Elected consul. Tried to go to Africa, but prevented by enemies in Rome. |
| 204 BC |
Went to Africa, and allied with Numidians against Carthage. |
| 202 BC |
Hannibal returned to Africa to fight Scipio at the battle of Zama. |
| 183 BC |
Retired to the country outside Rome. |
| Contemporary |
Short Biography |
| Cato (the censor) |
Roman censor, urged destruction of Carthage before third Punic War. |
| Hannibal |
Carthaginian general, invaded and laid waste to Italy for sixteen years. |
| Marcellus |
Besieged Syracuse during the second Punic War, but the ingenious war weapons of Archimedes frustrated the Romans. |
| Hasdrubal Barca |
Fought against Scipios in Spain; killed after he crossed the Alps to aid Hannibal. |
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Bust of Scipio 
Scipio Yields the Spanish Princess to her Lover 
Scipio Africanus
Generosity of Scipio 
His progress was as that of a king.