Scipio Africanus – Part 13 (Conflicting Realities)

About this episode

This episode discusses Scipio Africanus's military campaigns in Hispania and the political ramifications of his decisions leading up to the Battle of the Metaurus.

Through 208 BC, as Scipio expands Rome’s grip over Hispania, it comes at a heavy cost, allowing Hasdrubal Barca to escape Iberia with his army and invade Italy. A decision that ignites political fury within the Senate, nearly costing Scipio his command and future career. From there, we’ll briefly pivot to the events in Italy, culminating in the fateful Battle of the Metaurus, before returning to Scipio’s campaign, where his subordinates begin to shine, helping Rome seize two-thirds of Carthaginian Spain by the end of 207 BC, setting the stage for one final clash for full control of the peninsula. If you would like to support my work directly, you can kindly do so here: patreon.com/warlordsofhistory

People in this episode

Host: Mark Pimenta

Topics covered

• Roman history
• Scipio Africanus
• Carthaginian Wars
• Hispania
• political conflict
• military strategy

Keywords

• Scipio Africanus
• Hasdrubal Barca
• Battle of the Metaurus
• Hispania
• Roman Senate
• Carthaginian Spain
• military history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Senate

More episodes of Warlords of History

• Scipio Africanus – Part 12 (The Battle of Baecula) · January 7, 2026 · 1h 20m
• Warlords of History - Podcast Trailer · October 28, 2025 · 1 min
• Scipio Africanus – Part 11 (The Storming of Carthago Nova) · October 9, 2025 · 1h 25m
• Scipio Africanus – Part 10 (Scipio Takes Command in Hispania) · July 1, 2025 · 1h 9m
• Scipio Africanus - Part 9 (Victories and Reversals) · April 15, 2025 · 1h 53m
• Scipio Africanus - Part 8 (The Roman Revival) · February 3, 2025 · 1h 24m