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The third century before the common era was a time of empire-making and empire-breaking especially in the western Mediterranean, where a conflict was brewing that would shape the future of the known world. |
Second Punic War (218-201BC)
(- threads, 48 posts)
 Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus
Historical Thread
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"All eyes were turned upon him, and the crowd by their roar of approval unanimously predicted good luck for him [Scipio] and every success." Livy, Ab Urbe Condita, XXVI.18
The early life of the greatest Scipio was set against the grim background of the Hannibalic War. Legend has it that he saved his father's life at Ticinus and rallied the survivors of Cannae (probably both false). In 211BC, word came from Spain that his father and uncle were dead. At the age of twenty-four, the future Africanus was paterfamilias of the powerful Cornelian family. Scipio was then voted, illegally, the command of Spain after a dramatic public appearance. He immediatley went on the offensive and attacked Carthago Nova. Through good timing and employing superstition, Scipio captured the city and the Scipionic legend was born. He went on to defeat both of Hannibal's brothers and converted the Numidian prince Masinissa from a dangerous foe to a potenial Roman ally. By 205BC, aside from some mopping up operations, Spain was in Roman hands. Scipio was elected consul and allowed to invade Africa, but only with a volunteer army recruited by himself. He found plenty of men willing to join him including the Cannae legions. Upon landing in Africa, Scipio besieged Utica but was attacked by a Carthaginian army on the Great Plains. Using his new Numidian allies, Scipio defeated his Punic opponents and moved on to Tunis, just seventy-five miles from Carthage. The stage was set for the final confrontation. It came at Zama. Scipio against the returning Hannibal and again with the aid of Masinissa, Scipio was victorious. Rome triumphed as Carthage sued for peace and paid a heavy indemnity. The now Africanus was censor in 199BC and consul again in 194BC. Despite his achievements and those of his brother, Lucius, their enemies in Rome, led by Marcus Porcius Cato, had gathered strength while the Scipios were fighting Antiochus of Syria and brought the two to trial on obscure bribery charges. Both were vindicated but Scipio was disgusted and went into voluntary exile in Campania, where he died a year later.
