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What peace terms did Scipio Africanus impose on Carthage after the Battle of Zama?
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Scipio Africanus
Silver coin from Carthago Nova, believed to be a portrait of Scipio Africanus the Elder; in the Royal Collection of Coins and Medals, National Museum, Copenhagen.
Following his decisive victory at the Battle of Zama in 202 BCE, Scipio Africanus imposed peace terms that effectively ended the Second Punic War. These terms required Carthage to:
- Cede territory: Carthage surrendered its overseas possessions, including Spain.12
- Surrender military assets: The city was forced to surrender most of its warships and publicly burn at least 100 vessels.2
- Pay an indemnity: Carthage agreed to pay a 50-year indemnity to Rome totaling 10,000 silver talents.2
While these conditions were significant, Scipio did not impose harsh terms on Hannibal personally, allowing him to remain in Carthage where he was later elected as a civil magistrate. These terms were notably more lenient than the total destruction later inflicted upon the city during the Third Punic War.234