Scipio Younger

Scipio, PUBLIUS CORNELIUS AEMILIANUS AFRICANUS, "THE YOUNGER," born L. Paullus AEmilius, and adopted by the last-named, (185-129 B.C.), conqueror of Carthage, was partly instructed by Polybius, and in 151 entered the military life by joining the expedition to Spain, and, after exhibiting his prowess there, proceeded to Africa to take part in the third Punic VVar. He became a consul in 148, and in the following year laid siege to Carthage and took it after the shedding of much blood. He was welcomed with acclamation on his return to Rome, and became censor in 142. He effected many reforms, and in 134 again became consul, Spain being his province. He captured Numantia after a stubborn fight, and greatly extended the Roman sway. His marriage with Sempronia, sister of the Gracchi, was unhappy. He lived a simple and, for that time, an extremely moral life, and was at last found dead in bed, being assassinated, it is believed, for political reasons.