Editing Second Punic War (section)

=== Roman invasion of Africa, 204–201 BC ===
In 205{{nbs}}BC Publius Scipio was given command of the legions in Sicily and allowed to enrol volunteers for his plan to end the war by an invasion of Africa. After landing in Africa in 204{{nbs}}BC he was joined by Masinissa and a force of Numidian cavalry.{{sfn|Goldsworthy|2006|pp=286–288, 291–292}} Scipio twice gave battle and destroyed two large Carthaginian armies.{{sfn|Miles|2011|p=310}} After the second encounter Syphax was pursued and taken prisoner by Masinissa at the [[battle of Cirta]]; Masinissa then seized most of Syphax's kingdom with Roman help.{{sfn|Bagnall|1999|pp=282–283}}

Rome and Carthage entered into peace negotiations and Carthage recalled both Hannibal and Mago from Italy.{{sfn|Carey|2007|p=111}} The Roman Senate ratified a draft treaty, but because of mistrust and a surge in confidence when Hannibal arrived from Italy, Carthage repudiated it.{{sfn|Bagnall|1999|pp=287–291}} Hannibal was placed in command of another army, formed from his veterans from Italy and newly raised troops from Africa, but with few cavalry.{{sfn|Goldsworthy|2006|p=302}} The decisive [[battle of Zama]] followed in October 202{{nbs}}BC.{{sfn|Miles|2011|p=315}} Unlike most battles of the Second Punic War, the Romans had superiority in cavalry and the Carthaginians in infantry.{{sfn|Goldsworthy|2006|p=302}} Hannibal attempted to use 80 elephants to break into the Roman infantry formation, but the Romans countered them effectively and the elephants routed back through the Carthaginian ranks. The Roman and allied Numidian cavalry then pressed their attacks and drove the Carthaginian cavalry from the field. The two sides' infantry fought inconclusively until the Roman cavalry returned and attacked the Carthaginian rear. The Carthaginian formation collapsed; Hannibal was one of the few to escape the field.{{sfn|Miles|2011|p=315}}{{sfn|Carey|2007|p=118}}