or Scipio Aemilianus in full Publius Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus Africanus Numantinus
born 185/184
died 129 BC, Rome
Roman general credited with the final subjugation of Carthage .
He was the natural son of Paullus and the adoptive son of Publius Scipio, son of Polybius instilled in him the ideals of honour, glory, and military success. He first distinguished himself in the Third Macedonian War (168). He then campaigned in Spain and went on to Africa (150), where he displayed great military skill against Carthage while serving as military tribune , and demand arose that he take the command against Carthage. Though under age, he was elected consul in 147 and returned to Africa. He besieged and destroyed Carthage (146), ending the Third Punic War and establishing the province of Africa. Again made consul in 134, he was given command of the Celtiberian War (see Celtiberia ), and he secured Spain by besieging and destroying Numantia (133). Back in Rome, he took an unpopular position on a bill supported by his friend Tiberius {{link=Gracchus, Tiberius Sempronius">Gracchus ; he was due to speak on the question when he died unexpectedly.