Livy: Scipio and the Siege of New Carthage

Course Description

In this course, we will read from Livy's account of the Second Punic War (218-201 BCE). Our selected text (XXV.32-39, XXVI.18-20, XXVI.41-51) will take us through the nadir and resurgence of Rome’s fortunes in the far west of the Mediterranean in Spain (211-209 BCE). The story opens in catastrophe: two Roman armies are destroyed and the illustrious generals, Publius and Gnaeus Scipio, are killed. Fortune suddenly pivots when the young officer Marcius rallies what is left of the Spanish legions and staves off total disaster. Fortune provides another surprise when the Roman people appoint the intrepid and enigmatic twenty-four-year-old Publius Scipio—son and nephew of the fallen generals, a survivor of Cannae, and the future Africanus—as the new imperator in Spain. Scipio’s vigorous and inspiring leadership quickly restores Rome’s position there. Still, those expecting a continuation of Rome’s largely defensive policy in the province find Scipio fixed on a far different plan: an offensive directly against New Carthage, the seat of Carthaginian power in Spain and the crown jewel of their Mediterranean empire.

Details

• Semester: Summer 2026
• Day: Thursday
• Time: 5:00 PM ET
• Duration: 60 minutes per session
• Level: Advanced — This course is intended for students who have completed a year of college-level Latin grammar or equivalent, and who have experience reading continuous texts.
• Subject: Latin
• Textbook: Instructor will provide materials.

Tuition

$250 per course

Availability

5 spots remaining out of 5

Cancellation Policy

Telepaideia tuition is non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel your enrollment or withdraw from your class, you may be eligible for a 50% credit to be used toward a future Telepaideia course. In order to be eligible for this credit, you must notify info@paideiainstitute.org of your withdrawal before the second class meeting has taken place.