# Scipio Africanus — Dialogues character guide

> Scipio Africanus in Dialogues by Seneca.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Africanus, Scipio Africanus Minor

**First appearance:** 0001-i

## Who they are

Roman general who defeated Hannibal, exemplar of military virtue.

## In the story

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xiii)

Mentioned as one of the sons given away for adoption by Paulus Aemilius.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xxv)

Mentioned among the saintly company of blessed souls who welcome Marcia's son.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xi)

Roman general who left Hannibal behind and carried war into Africa with deliberation, appearing leisurely to his enemies.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xii)

His daughters received dowries from the Treasury due to his poverty.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xiv)

Cited as an example of one who mourned his brother's death magnanimously while in exile.

### [The Restlessness of Joy and the Futility of Ambition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xvii)

Scipio conquered Hannibal and Antiochus, yet was vexed by civil factions and ended his life in exile, showing the instability of extreme prosperity.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xvii)

Noted for moving his triumphal limbs to music in a manly dance, showing that even great warriors need relaxation.

### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/book-iii)

Example of a son who saved his father's life in battle and later enriched him with spoils, yet still might not have fully repaid his debt.

### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xxxiii)

Described as saving his father's life in battle, defending him in court, and enriching him with spoils, ultimately surpassing the benefit of birth.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xvii)

Sent into exile by the state despite his service.

### [Chapter XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xxxvi)

Mentioned as an example of someone who might have prolonged the Punic War for personal glory, which Seneca condemns.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters/scipio_africanus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dialogues_2_se/characters