09-30-2019, 03:08 AM
Michael Collins wrote:
Polybius does not mention Gaius Laelius being sent to Rome immediately after the battle of Zama…Livy and Appian both include Laelius` mission however: Livy firstly, in Book 30.36: “Laelius to Rome to report his victory.” (Trans. Cyrus Edmonds 1850) That first news of a victory against Hannibal would have arrived in Rome around the beginning of November 202, but it would be another five months before the formal announcement of the end of the war in Rome and celebrations were held.
I believe Laelius’ return to Rome after Zama is a fabrication based on fact. I am following the chronology that after Syphax was captured Livy (30 16 and 30 17) has Laelius return to Rome with Syphax, and was ordered by the senate to remain in Rome.
Polybius does not mention Gaius Laelius being sent to Rome immediately after the battle of Zama…Livy and Appian both include Laelius` mission however: Livy firstly, in Book 30.36: “Laelius to Rome to report his victory.” (Trans. Cyrus Edmonds 1850) That first news of a victory against Hannibal would have arrived in Rome around the beginning of November 202, but it would be another five months before the formal announcement of the end of the war in Rome and celebrations were held.
I believe Laelius’ return to Rome after Zama is a fabrication based on fact. I am following the chronology that after Syphax was captured Livy (30 16 and 30 17) has Laelius return to Rome with Syphax, and was ordered by the senate to remain in Rome.
