Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus

One of the most famous Roman generals is Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus. He (236/235-183 BC) was a Roman general and statesman most known for his role in Rome's Second Punic War triumph over Carthage. His greatest military triumph was defeating Hannibal at the Battle of Zama in 202 BC, and he is widely recognized as one of the best military leaders and strategists of all time. This triumph in Africa earned him the title Africanus.

The Battle of Ilipa in 206 BC culminated in Scipio's conquest of Carthaginian Iberia over Hannibal's brother Mago Barca. Scipio was considered a hero by the Roman people, chiefly for his victories over Carthage, but he had many opponents, including Cato the Elder, who despised him. In 187 BC, he and his brother were prosecuted in a sham trial for bribes they allegedly received from Seleucid king Antiochos III during the Roman-Seleucid War. Scipio left Rome and retreated from public life at his house in Liternum, disillusioned by his peers' ingratitude.

Many regard Scipio as one of Rome's greatest generals; he never lost a fight. He was skilled in both strategy and tactics, and he had the ability to instill trust in his soldiers. A descendant of Scipio, Metellus Scipio, led legions against Julius Caesar in Africa until his defeat at the Battle of Thapsus in 49 BC. Because it was widely believed that only a Scipio could win a battle in Africa, Julius Caesar assigned a distant relative of Metellus to his staff in order to appear to have a Scipio fighting for him as well.