Publius Cornelius Scipio
Eldest son of Scipio Africanus (died 170 BC)
About Publius Cornelius Scipio
Lived 216 BC – 170 BC (aged 45–46). Publius Cornelius Scipio was a Roman historian, rhetorician, politician and augur.
Publius Cornelius P.f. P.n. Scipio (living circa 211 BC/205 BC–170 BC) was the eldest son of Scipio Africanus and his wife Aemilia Paulla. He was chosen augur from 180 BC. Little information on him survives, as he did not stand for any of the high offices or have a public career of note. Cicero relates that he was in poor health, the particulars of which he refuses to mention, stating that "we ought not to reproduce ... their faults (of ancestors)." Scipio died young from his poor health.
Scipio had a son also named Publius Cornelius Scipio, who died before achieving any political office. For remedy according to Roman custom he adopted as son and heir his first cousin Scipio Aemilianus (b. 185 BC) who was probably born Lucius Aemilius Paullus, second and younger surviving son of Lucius Aemilius Paullus Macedonicus by his first wife Papiria Masonis. This adoption probably took place after his brother Lucius died childless. Thereafter the son used the name Publius Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus Africanus.
Cicero adds that the eldest son of Scipio Africanus had "more ample intellectual culture" than his father and that the state endured a loss in his not being able to seek high office.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Publius Cornelius Scipio's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Publius Cornelius Scipio's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Publius Cornelius Scipio?
Eldest son of Scipio Africanus (died 170 BC)
When was Publius Cornelius Scipio born?
Publius Cornelius Scipio was born in 216 BC in Ancient Rome.
When did Publius Cornelius Scipio die?
Publius Cornelius Scipio died in 170 BC.
What was Publius Cornelius Scipio's occupation?
Publius Cornelius Scipio was a historian, rhetorician, politician and augur.
What nationality was Publius Cornelius Scipio?
Publius Cornelius Scipio was Roman.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Publius Cornelius Scipio
· DBpedia: Publius Cornelius Scipio (son of Scipio Africanus)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Publius Cornelius Scipio. https://biography.guide/publius-cornelius-scipio-historian/
MLA: "Publius Cornelius Scipio." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/publius-cornelius-scipio-historian/.
Chicago: "Publius Cornelius Scipio." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/publius-cornelius-scipio-historian/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:01 UTC