While Scipio was a brilliant commander, Rome's ultimate victory stemmed from its institutional advantages. Decades of war had forged a superior, well-drilled infantry, and its vast manpower reserves gave it an edge Carthage, reliant on mercenaries, could not match. Hannibal lost at Zama primarily because he lacked the cavalry that Rome's institutional might could now field against him.

Scipio consciously fostered rumors of divine parentage and inspiration from gods like Jupiter. This carefully crafted, Alexander the Great-style persona built immense charisma and instilled confidence in his followers, convincing them his plans were divinely ordained and destined for success.

Rome's political and cultural identity was built on an implacable resolve to never accept defeat or disrespect. This dogged determination, which led them to build a navy from scratch and reject peace talks after catastrophic losses, was their ultimate strategic advantage over more conventional powers.

Publius Cornelius Scipio's youthful glamour, popularity with the masses, and adoption of 'Greek-like' customs made him a uniquely effective and beloved commander. However, these same traits bred deep suspicion among the conservative Roman Senate, who viewed his immense personal power as a threat to the Republic, ultimately leading to his political ruin.

The Romans often propagandized the concept of 'Punica Fides' or 'Punic Faith' to portray Carthaginians as uniquely treacherous. Yet, their greatest general, Scipio, used blatant deception by feigning peace negotiations with Sifax and Hasdrubal specifically to learn the layout of their camps before burning them down, highlighting the hypocrisy of wartime rhetoric.

The appeal of a populist leader lies in their rejection of traditional political norms. When the electorate feels betrayed by the established "political class," they gravitate toward figures whose rhetoric is a deliberate and stark contrast, signaling they are an outsider.

To command in Spain, the Senate needed Scipio's youthful charisma but feared breaking the tradition of appointing older magistrates. They cleverly bypassed this by allowing a popular vote, getting their desired commander while appearing to yield to the people's will and avoiding setting a direct institutional precedent.

In a great historical irony, the triumphant Scipio struggled in civilian life, ultimately driven into exile by political rivals jealous of his power. Conversely, the defeated Hannibal successfully transitioned into a civilian leader in Carthage, enacting popular democratic and financial reforms that made him beloved by the people, though hated by the aristocracy.

Following the catastrophic loss at Cannae, Rome was gripped by panic. Fabius Maximus, though not in an official command role, calmed the city by displaying extreme sangfroid, forbidding public mourning, and securing the gates. His actions show how a single leader's composure can stabilize a national crisis.