v26_0165 - SCIPION ET CRASSUS Denier

SCIPIO AND CRASSUS

(47-46 BC)

Scipio, who revealed the Catiline conspiracy to Cicero in 62 BC, had been consul with Pompey in 52 BC. He commanded the center at the battle of Pharsalus on June 6, 48 BC. C. Next he found refuge in Africa where the Scipio family had considerable latifundiae (agricultural holdings) with Pompey's eldest son. The headquarters of the Pompeians was located in Utica about thirty kilometers from the ruins of Carthage. Caesar landed in Africa and the final battle took place at Thapsus on February 6, 46 BC. Scipio and his ally, Juba I king of Mauretania, were defeated. In desperation to be able to escape, Scipio committed suicide as did Cato at Utica. Caesar created the province of Africa Nova and gave a new status to the territory of Carthage. He then returned to Rome where he celebrated a quadruple triumph.