Scipio turns the tables.
You have changed History! Have some class, will ya? Scipio
was a classy guy, who would never put his personal feelings ahead of duty
to his country. He had proven that at Cannae, and by going to Spain
when Hannibal was still in Italy. He would not make the selfish choice
now. Romans were also very superstitious, and the choosing of lots
was considered leaving the decision in the hands of the gods. To
go against one's destiny would be to deny the wisdom of the gods in choosing
the right path for us. Scroll down...
Scipio dutifully
went to Sicily, to secure Roman possessions there, and ensure stability.
Having done so, he used his freedom to travel, taking his army to Africa,
endangering Carthage itself. Wisely, he recognized that the best
way to prevent Hannibal from destroying Rome was to threaten the destruction
of his home town. Surely the Carthaginian Senate would call Hannibal
home for defense, and the threat to Rome would be removed. It occurred in just this way, and
we can now clearly see the end of the Second Punic War approaching.
Hannibal was, indeed, called home, and even came face-to-face with Scipio
himself. There was now only one choice left
to be made.
It is said
that when the two Generals met, they stood a long time, staring at each
other, and trying to comprehend the half-man, half-legend before them.
Scipio developed an abiding respect for Hannibal, that lasted many years
after these wars did. Hannibal always spoke in tones of admiration
when discussing Scipio. It was left to these two to negotiate the
settlement of peace. Hannibal knew that his army was
likely to lose any further battles. Scipio's forces were sharp and
disciplined, Hannibal's were weary and disillusioned. Still, peace
has a price, and both had to decide what price they could pay. As the likely victor, Scipio could
demand almost any terms he chose, but he needed to choose wisely to avoid
any further conflict with the Carthaginian army. Still, the war had
been long and costly, and the Roman Senate would demand retribution for
its losses. Scipio could offer terms that would be easy for the Carthaginians
to swallow, or he could demand great sacrifices from them, as punishment
for their aggression. Which should he do?