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Why was Scipio Africanus the Younger given the name Africanus?
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Scipio Africanus the Younger (also known as Scipio Aemilianus) was given the name Africanus in recognition of his military success in the Third Punic War, specifically for his role in the final destruction of Carthage in 146 BCE. Following this victory, he celebrated a triumph in Rome.12
It is important to note that the name "Africanus" was also famously held by his adopted grandfather, the elder Scipio Africanus, who received the title in honor of his own victory over Hannibal at the Battle of Zama in 202 BCE.3