Scipio (235??83 BCE), also known as Scipio Africanus and Scipio the Elder, was a Roman general in the Second Punic War. He is best known for defeating Hannibal and the Carthaginians at the Battle of Zama near Carthage on October 19, 202 BCE.

Scipio was indeed magnanimous in victory, refusing to raze Carthage to the ground. He later consented to Hannibal being appointed civic leader in Carthage. Scipio did, however, deal ruthlessly with any of his own troops who deserted?atins were beheaded and Romans were crucified.