Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2015
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Classics, Philosophy, and Religion
First Advisor
Pitts, Angela
Second Advisor
Vasey, Craig R.
Major or Concentration
Latin
Abstract
This thesis addresses the question of why Hannibal Barca suffered such a decisive defeat at the hands of Scipio Africanus in the Battle of Zama. I begin by conducting a thorough analysis of the two ancient sources that have provided us with the bulk of what is known about the battle and the events leading up to it. My analysis of them primarily concerns itself with determining how objective and trustworthy these accounts are, and as such how much faith can be placed in the details they provide. Using these sources, I then proceed to examine the events leading up to the Battle of Zama itself, specifically Scipio's campaign in North Africa and how his strategic decisions and maneuvers ultimately forced Hannibal to return to North Africa and confront him. I then conduct an analysis of the battle itself and each general's tactical performance. Before drawing my own conclusions as to why Hannibal lost, I review the texts of scholars who have also written on the subject to determine what they believe were the factors responsible for Hannibal's defeat, categorizing them into two major schools of thought. Finally, I choose one side and then add my own contributions as to why Scipio Africanus triumphed in the end.
Recommended Citation
Rol, Harry C., "A Most Fateful Encounter: How Scipio Africanus Defeated Hannibal Barca at the Battle of Zama" (2015). Student Research Submissions. 110.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/110