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Why did Hannibal and Scipio Africanus meet before 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.
Before the Battle of Zama in 202 BCE, Hannibal and Scipio Africanus met personally to discuss the conflict.
Their meeting was likely motivated by Hannibal’s recognition that the tactical conditions did not favor his forces, leading him to hope for a negotiated settlement. Scipio, meanwhile, may have been driven by a personal curiosity to meet his renowned adversary. Despite the meeting, no agreement was reached; Scipio refused Hannibal's proposed terms, citing that Carthage had violated their previous truce and must face the consequences of their actions. The encounter concluded with Scipio challenging Hannibal to prepare for battle, as peace was no longer an option.1