The Battle of Zama: why Hannibal lost to Scipio
In 202 BC, Scipio’s Roman army and its Numidian allies defeated Hannibal in North Africa at the battle conventionally called Zama.
0:44 · Episode film
AI-generated historical dramatization.
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The Battle of Zama explained: Scipio, Hannibal, Masinissa, elephant tactics, the infantry battle, and the peace that ended the Second Punic War.
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North Africa, 202 BC. Hannibal has returned from Italy to defend Carthage. Facing him are Scipio's Romans and the Numidian allies of King Masinissa. Scipio leaves passages between his infantry formations, reducing the disruption of Hannibal's elephants. A hard infantry struggle follows. Then Masinissa and Laelius bring their cavalry back from pursuit and strike Hannibal's army from behind. Hannibal escapes, but Carthage must make peace. The settlement strips away most of its fleet and freedom to wage war. Roman and Numidian victory has changed the balance of power in the western Mediterranean.
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