Agricola-Publius Cornelius Tacitus

Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus (c. 236-c.183 B.C.) was one of the greatest military tacticians and strategists of all time. Only in his mid-twenties, he was given command of the Roman forces in Spain after his father and uncle had been killed there in battle. Tactically brilliant and innovative, he was also a master of grand strategy, winning key Spanish and African allies by his integrity and diplomatic skill. After defeating Hannibal's brothers in Spain, he was victorious over Hannibal in Africa at the Battle of Zama, famously funneling the Carthaginian war elephants through gaps between the Roman ranks and then turning them against the cavalry on the wings of Hannibal's army. (Summary by Pamela Nagami, M.D.)