The Battle of Zama

One of the most accurate ancient battle depictions in modern media

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Zama

After forcing Hannibal to withdraw to North Africa, Publius Cornelius Scipio, with several thousand Numidian and African cavalry formerly controlled by Carthage, forced action on Hannibal's army in the fields of Zama.

If the Roman army were lead by anyone else, Hannibal Barca arguably would have had the greater advantage, having a replenished army of fresh mercenaries, and new elephants to wield in battle.

His opponent was not just any Roman, but Publius Cornelius Scipio, who had studied Hannibal's tactics, learned and copied every one, and wielded them against Hannibal at the battle.

The first stroke of genius was against the elephants---being young and untrained, the elephants were hesitant, easily spooked, and unreliable. Scipio taught his army to open lanes for the charging elephants to run into, where the legionaries would brutalize them with their javelin. In a panic, the surviving elephants turned and stampeded Hannibal's army lines.

As with Cannae fourteen years before, the cavalry proved to be the turning point of the battle, as Scipio's army kept Hannibal's army pinned down, while Scipio's African cavalry came back around and attacked the Carthaginian army from behind.

It was the first and last battle Hannibal ever lost.

After the defeat of Hannibal at Zama, and Hannibal's departure to Asia Minor, the once feared name of Hannibal Barca became a joke, as Hannibal was reportedly wandering about Asia, seeking to help any kingdom, big or small, if they would only rise against Rome. Years later, Hannibal assisted King Antiokhos of Seleucia against Rome, but ultimately failed.

Rather than be captured by Rome, Hannibal drank poison and died. In the same year, Publius Cornelius Scipio, agnomened "Africanus", died as well in Campania, his political career having failed as his rivals attempted to undermine him and paint him as a traitor to Rome, despite his major role in quashing Hannibal Barca.