Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus

236 BCE – 183 BCE(lived 53 years)

Scipio Africanus (236–183 BCE) was the Roman commander who reversed the Second Punic War. He stormed New Carthage in 209 BCE, crushed Carthaginian power in Iberia at Ilipa, forged a game-changing alliance with Masinissa, and carried the war to Africa. At Zama in 202 BCE, his infantry flexibility and Numidian cavalry shattered Hannibal, enabling a hard peace in 201 that dismantled Carthage’s navy and empire. In this timeline he answers the central question: yes—a land power can learn the sea, master alliances, and transform brutal wars into Mediterranean supremacy.

Biography

Publius Cornelius Scipio, later Africanus, was born in 236 BCE into the patrician house of the Cornelii. He came of age in a Rome traumatized by defeat yet unbroken in resolve. As a young officer he fought at the Ticinus and Trebia, reputedly saving his father’s life in 218 BCE. After his father and uncle fell in Spain (211 BCE), the twenty-something Scipio petitioned to take command there. Charismatic, religiously scrupulous, and a gifted motivator, he rebuilt shattered legions and studied his enemy’s habits, insisting that Rome could win not by weight alone but by speed, surprise, and alliances.

Key figure in Punic Wars

Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus's Timeline

Key events involving Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus in chronological order

-209

Scipio Captures New Carthage

In 209 BCE, Publius Cornelius Scipio seized New Carthage, the Barcid capital in Spain. A blue harbor, shallow lagoon, and a well-timed assault cracked the city and handed Rome a mint, an arsenal, and hostages. Momentum in Iberia shifted with a trumpet’s call from the walls [17].

military

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-206

Battle of Ilipa

In 206 BCE near Ilipa on the Baetis, Scipio outmaneuvered Carthaginian armies and broke their hold on Spain. At dawn, saffron sky above the river, he reversed his deployment and crushed their flanks while Iberian allies watched the line fold. The Barcid enterprise in Iberia died on that field [17].

military

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-206 — -204

Alliance with Masinissa

Between 206 and 204 BCE, Scipio forged an alliance with Masinissa, the Numidian prince, trading recognition for riders. Dun-colored horsehair crests and swift hooves became Rome’s edge. When the dust rose in Africa, it would be Roman discipline with Numidian speed that met Hannibal [17][18].

diplomatic

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-204

Scipio’s African Invasion

In 204 BCE, Scipio crossed to Africa and camped near Utica, forcing Carthage to recall Hannibal. Red standards snapped above sandy trenches; Numidian horse hovered on the flanks. With Africa’s wind in his face, Scipio turned the war toward Carthage’s own walls [17].

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-202

Battle of Zama

In 202 BCE at Zama, Scipio Africanus and Masinissa shattered Hannibal’s army. Elephants were channeled, lines reformed, and cavalry—Roman-Numidian—swept back onto Hannibal’s rear through yellow dust. By sunset, the field belonged to Rome, and Carthage sought terms [17][18].

military

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-201

Peace Settlement After Zama

In 201 BCE, Rome imposed peace terms on Carthage: 10,000 talents, a fleet limited to ten ships, elephants banned, and overseas territories surrendered. The clauses dismantled Punic power with legal screws and fiscal weights. Victory at Zama now spoke in parchment and silver [17][18].

diplomatic

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Total Events

-209

First Event

-201

Last Event

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