Scipio Africanus, Publius Cornelius, known as Scipio the Elder 236-183BC
Roman soldier and politician

Hero of the Second Punic War (218-201BC), he brought Spain under Roman control, expelling the Carthaginians led by Hasdrubal. He was elected consul in 205, and in 204 he sailed with 30,000 men to carry on the war in Africa, where his successes forced the Carthaginians to recall Hannibal from Italy. His victory at Zama in 202 ended the war. Scipio was granted the surname Africanus, and held a second consulship in 194. In 190 he and his brother Lucius defeated Antiochus III of Syria in the campaign of Magnesia. However, their leniency towards Antiochus caused the Senate to charge them with receiving bribes. Despite popular support, Scipio retired to his estate in Campania. His daughter was Cornelia, mother of the Gracchi.