Scipion l’Africain chez Tite-Live : remarques sur le portrait d’un jeune général exceptionnel

Abstract

This paper aims to provide an analysis of the ideological use of the age criterion within the depiction of an important character in the Livian narrative : Scipio Africanus. His young age comes as a recurrent pattern in the narratives of classical historians expounding both criticism and acclaim from the youthful general’s contemporaries. However Livy’s own treatment of some of the events in Scipio’s life where his youth is highlighted, attests to the latter’s exceptional stature as well as it gives an insight into the relationship between youth and power.