What was the outcome of the Second Punic War?

The outcome of the Second Punic War was indeed that the Romans defeated Carthage under the command of Scipio Africanus, who is often referred to as Scipio the Elder. This pivotal war took place from 218 to 201 B.C. and is famously known for the strategic military campaigns led by the Carthaginian general Hannibal, who invaded Italy through the Alps and won significant battles.

However, despite Hannibal's early successes, Rome managed to regroup and adapt its strategies. Scipio Africanus played a crucial role in this turnaround, culminating in the decisive battle of Zama in 202 B.C. near Carthage, where Scipio's forces defeated Hannibal. The victory not only ended the Second Punic War but also established Rome as the preeminent power in the Mediterranean. Consequently, Carthage was forced to cede its territories and pay reparations, significantly weakening it and diminishing its status as a rival to Rome. Thus, the defeat of Carthage was a critical moment that shifted the balance of power in the ancient world in favor of Rome.