What question did this study set out to answer?

This analysis examines whether Cn. Cornelius Scipio received an extraordinary grant of imperium during the Spanish campaign.

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May 25, 2026

Legates and Imperium : The Status of Cn. Cornelius Scipio in Spain (218–211 bc )

Key Points

This analysis examines whether Cn. Cornelius Scipio received an extraordinary grant of imperium during the Spanish campaign.
Re-evaluation of historical texts, particularly Livy's accounts of Cn. Cornelius Scipio's role.
Assessment of the regulations surrounding the conferral of imperium.
Consideration of alternative interpretations of historical evidence.
No evidence is found to support the claim of an extraordinary grant of imperium to Cn. Cornelius Scipio.
Regulatory constraints make the possibility of such a grant unlikely.
Alternative interpretations of Livy's statements provide a plausible explanation fitting the available evidence.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Cn. Cornelius Scipio (cos. 222 bc) probably joined his brother’s consular campaign in Spain as a legate, but because he often led portions of his brother’s army, and because Livy calls him an imperator and says he was prorogued with his brother in 212 bc, it is widely assumed that he received an extraordinary grant of imperium and so became a promagistrate. This paper argues that there is no evidence for such a grant, and that the regulations surrounding the conferral of imperium make it unlikely. Livy’s statements are reconsidered and alternative interpretations suggested that fit the evidence better.

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