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Scipio Aemilianus

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Scipio Aemilianus was a famous leader in ancient Rome.

Comic History of Rome p 240 Scipio Aemilianus cramming himself for a Speech after a hearty Supper
Comic History of Rome p 240 Scipio Aemilianus cramming himself for a Speech after a hearty Supper

He lived from 185 BC to 129 BC. He was born to Lucius Aemilius Paullus Macedonicus and Papiria Masonis. His father was a general who won a war in Greece. Later, Scipio was adopted by his cousin, Publius Cornelius Scipio. This gave him a new name and a great family history. He was known for being a brave soldier and a smart politician.

Scipio showed his courage when he was a young man. During a war in Greece, his father feared he was lost. Soldiers searched for him with torches in the dark. Eventually, he returned safely to the camp. Later, he asked to serve in the Numantine War in Spain. Many young men were afraid to join the army at that time. Scipio's choice to serve made others feel brave enough to volunteer. He even won a mural crown for climbing a city wall.

One of his most famous jobs was during the Third Punic War.

Scipion Emilien et Polybe devant les ruines de Carthage après la destruction de la ville
Scipion Emilien et Polybe devant les ruines de Carthage après la destruction de la ville

This war was fought against the city of Carthage. In 147 BC, Scipio was elected as a consul. A consul was one of the highest leaders in Rome. He led the Roman army to take the city of Carthage. After the city was taken, he followed orders from the Senate. He ordered the city to be destroyed and the land plowed over.

Scipio also led a difficult war in Spain against the Numantines.

Scipio at the deathbed of Masinissa (C20)
Scipio at the deathbed of Masinissa (C20)

The people of Numantia had held off Rome for nine years. Scipio worked hard to make his army disciplined again. He made the soldiers do tough exercises and marches. To win, he built a huge wall around the city. This wall was nine kilometers long and three meters high. He also used towers and ropes with knives to guard the river. This plan forced the city to surrender.

Scipio was more than just a soldier in a war.

Seleucid prince Massimo Inv1049
Seleucid prince Massimo Inv1049

He was a patron of many writers and thinkers. One famous person he helped was the Greek historian Polybius. In politics, he served as a censor in 142 BC. As a censor, he tried to stop people from being too greedy. He also used his influence to help his relative, Tiberius Gracchus. Scipio was a man who shaped much of the Roman world.

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🖼️ Images & Media (4)
File:Comic History of Rome p 240 Scipio Aemilianus cramming himself for a Speech after a hearty Supper.jpg
Comic History of Rome p 240 Scipio...
File:Scipio at the deathbed of Masinissa (C20).jpg
Scipio at the deathbed of Masinissa (C20).jpg
File:Seleucid_prince_Massimo_Inv1049.jpg
Seleucid_prince_Massimo_Inv1049.jpg
File:Scipion Emilien et Polybe devant les ruines de Carthage après la destruction de la ville.jpg
Scipion Emilien et Polybe devant les...
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